Knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors of voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS among Wolkite university students in Ethiopia

Abstract

Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV is essential and critical way for prevention, care and treatment of HIV. It allows early detection of illness, reducing transmission, morbidity and mortality from it. But youth knowledge and attitude towards HIV testing services is not universal. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, practice and factors associated with VCT for HIV among University Students in Ethiopia. Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among University students in Ethiopia using pretested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Single proportion formula was used to calculate the sample size (361). Multistage sampling with stratified sampling technique was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 with chi square test, bivariate and multivariate analysis via OR, AOR, p-value and confidence interval. Binary logistic regression was used. Out of 361 sample 93.6% of them responded, with 178 (52.7%) male and most are below 25 years. Majority were single, orthodox in religion, and from urban residence. 86% of them have heard of voluntary testing for HIV and know that having early test will prevent future spread of HIV. Based on the scoring 66% are knowledgeable about VCT. Almost 60% of participants were willing to undergo the test and 80% advices their friends to have test. Also 40.5% had good attitude toward test for HIV and 65.7 and 29.6% were ever tested and tested in the previous year respectively. Fear of HIV test results, stigma, and service related factors were major barriers for testing. Being male (AOR=1.607, CI: (1.01-2.57) p value= 0.047) and first year (AOR= 3.25, 1.33 -8.83) were significantly had lower odds of being knowledgeable than females and seniors respectively. Those who were not knowledgeable have two times odd of poor attitude (AOR=1.901(1.20-3.02) P=0.006)). Students from urban (AOR=2.088, CI: (1.273-3.425) P=0.004), unseparated family (AOR=2.24CI: (1.02-4.92) P=0.045) and with poor attitude (AOR= 1.76 CI: (1.08-2.89) p=0.024) were more likely not to have test than counterparts. Knowledge and attitude towards HIV testing is not satisfactory. Freshman students are the target for behavioral interventions. Improving awareness and attitude of students through peer to peer discussion and other packages is crucial to increase the practice and ultimately combat HIV in higher institutions.

Health beliefs and barriers related to hiv prevention and screening among students of the university of vlora: a cross-sectional study

“…Regarding the fact that the barriers may have a negative impact on VCT practice, our study found that the fear of stigmatization may be one of them, which is similar to other studies 9,17,26,31 . As a whole, our results demonstrate that the students'beliefs may be barriers to universal access to use VCT services.…”

Health beliefs and barriers related to HIV prevention and screening among students of the University of Vlora: a cross-sectional study

“…Additionally, Albania is a traditional and patriarchal society in which stigma and discrimination play a significant role in preventing sexually active young people like tertiary level students accessing HIV testing for earlier diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection [30]. Regarding the fact that the barriers may have a negative impact on VCT practice, our study found that the fear of stigmatization may be one of them, which is similar to other studies [9,17,30,32,38]. As a whole, our results demonstrate that the students'beliefs may be barriers to universal access to use VCT services.…”

“…In relation to demographic factors we notice that there is a slight change in males who have the tendency to use VCT services more than females, which can be explained by the fact that albanian females hesitate to get tested for HIV due to the prejudice [30]. Contrary, other studies revealed a higher incidence of VCT uptake in females compared to males [31][32][33][34], probably because HIV effects last much longer on females and they are aware of this fact. Indeed, HIV infection is equally dangerous for males and females, which means that the VCT uptake has the same level of importance for both genders.…”

<p>Prevalence of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Utilization and Its Associated Factors Among Merawi Preparatory School Students in Merawi Town, West Gojjam, Ethiopia</p>

“…18 Those Ethiopian studies were Wolkite university students, Mizzen High School Students, Debre Birhan college students and Wachemo University students who reported the proportion of VCT utilization of 29.6%, 31.3%, 35.2% and 36.7% respectively. 16 , 17 , 19 , 20…”

“…This finding was supported by previous studies. 7 , 19 , 28 This could be explained by those who have good knowledge and positive attitude being aware about the prevention methods of the problem, thus working on knowledge and attitude change will facilitate the uptake of the VCT service.…”