Hiv Testing and Counselling Among the Youth of Ghana: The Case of Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Fanteakwa District

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the factors that contribute to the utilization of HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) among the youth in Ghana focusing on Fanteakwa District and Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality in light of the Health Belief Model. The study involved 424 youths between the ages of 15-24. The quantitative approach was used in the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study involving the purposive sampling which was used to select the two districts and then the simple random sampling method which was also used to select the communities and participants. A structured questionnaire made up of 30 items was administered to the respondents to collect data and processed using STATA 15. The results showed that majority of the respondents (over 80%) had heard about HTC and also knew where to go for HIV testing. Again, It was also revealed from the study that as little as 25% had ever taken HIV test at the time of the study with the males being in majority than the females. In addition, more than half of the respondents (57.6%) have been given precounselling service before the test and majority of them (67.3%) went back for their test results. It was also found that sex (p =-0.52854), place of residence (p =-0.67824) of respondents and perceived susceptibility (p =-0.07187) were significantly associated with HTC participation. It was recommended that social media should be used as a tool for disseminating information on HTC and also, the development and mass distribution of Self-test kits for HIV for the youth.

Predictive ability of the health belief model in HIV testing and counselling uptake among youth aged 15–24 in La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, Ghana

“…The uptake of HTC was low (29.2%). HTC uptake in the present study is similar to the findings reported in previous studies conducted in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Fanteakwa Districts, Ghana [ 37 ], the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana [ 18 ], Kenya [ 28 ] and Tanzania [ 20 ]. However, it is lower compared to findings from previous studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa [ 22 ], Ethiopia [ 10 ], Ho Ghana [ 17 ], Accra Ghana [ 15 ], and Kumasi Ghana [ 16 ].…”

“…The plausible justification of the observed utilisation is that the facilities offering the HTC services may not be user-friendly, thereby leading to distrust between users and health workers. Also, deep-rooted societal perception of sexual promiscuity often associated with youth who utilise HTC services could hinder their ability to utilise these services [ 37 ]. The siting of the facilities coupled with some misconceptions about HTC could have also influenced the low HTC uptake.…”

Uptake of HIV testing and counseling among tertiary institution students in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

“…[21][22][23] Others studies conducted in public, as well as private universities in Accra and Kumasi (Ghana), reached the same conclusion regarding the low HTC uptake in Ghana. 15,24 Knowing routes of HIV transmission 15 , age, gender, place of residence, perceived susceptibility to HIV, 25 having multiple sexual partners, practising unprotected sex and being aware of HTC services 26 are associated with a high HTC uptake. Inversely fear, being uninformed about HTC, and low HIV risk perception are associated with not getting tested.…”

Application of the Health Belief Model to HIV Testing and Counselling Among Youth Living in Selected Rural Communities in Ghana

“…For instance, studies conducted in Ghana reveal that only 25 per cent had utilized HTC [7,8]. Early diagnosis of youth with HIV/AIDS can take place only with participation in HTC, which is affected by factors such as fear for HIV test, lack of trust for health personnel (confidentiality), unavailability of ART, stigmatization, inadequate HTC centres, cultural sensitivity and religious believes [9,10].…”