Evaluation of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in Egypt. Part 1: client satisfaction

Abstract

HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services were launched in Egypt in 2005. A study of all functioning VCT centres in Egypt (7 mobile and 9 fixed) aimed to determine the profile of clients and their level of satisfaction to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service. In direct interviews with a sample of 928 clients, the main motive for seeking VCT was risky sexual behaviour (34.2%). More females than males sought services because of partners' risky sexual behaviour. More than 90% of the clients were satisfied with the counselling service. Only 41.4% were willing to discuss the test results with their partners. Male sex, higher education level and attendance at fixed VCT centres were associated with higher satisfaction.

Factors associated with Integrated Counselling and Testing Center (ICTC) service satisfaction: experience from Chandigarh, India

“…As only four percent respondents knew exactly where to go in case of any grievance this emerged as a factor significantly associated with the satisfaction level of participants. In a study conducted in Egypt, 9 male sex and higher education were associated with higher VCT service satisfaction whereas our study did not find any association between socio-demographics of participants and ICTC service satisfaction. In a study conducted at labs conducting HIV related testing in Tanzania, patients were not satisfied with waiting time, privacy, result notification, cleanliness and timely instructions.…”

“…10 A study from Egypt reported that more than 90% of clients were satisfied with the voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. 9 In the present study, signage display emerged as a weakness as 90% respondents said that there were not enough signage to guide patients to the ICTC. However study didn't find any association between "information, access and guidance for services" and the difference in level of ICTC client satisfaction.…”

“…[8][9] We found the current illness as the most common reason to seek ICTC services followed by HIV test done some time ago, and self-assessment of risky behaviour. More than 80% participants were referred by health care workers.…”

“…Referral from health providers (42) was the main source of information followed by media (9) and peers/friends (6). Others included relatives (4) and information at own workplace (3).…”

End-user centeredness in antiretroviral therapy services in Nigerian public health facilities

“…A study reported that 95% of end users receiving ART who participated in the study thought that the counselling sessions were good, and indicated knowledge gained and increased hope and the ability to make informed choices. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] In addition to counselling, end users wanted to be assessed and have the assessment results properly communicated to them. This relates to strengthening internal systems to ensure that end users are routinely provided with basic assessments whenever they present for care in health facilities.…”