Factors Influencing the Utilization of Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services among University Students in Kenya
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Global Journal of Health Science
Abstract
Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is recognized as a critical component of effective HIV prevention
initiative and has therefore been promoted nationally and within universities in Kenya. Upon successful
counselling and testing those found to be HIV negative are informed to take the necessary measures to protect
themselves while the infected are advised to start the required medication. This study examined the attitudes
toward VCT services among university students in four Kenyan universities. 980 students filled self
administered questionnaires. Results showed that 38.5% of the subjects had tested for HIV in the last 12 months
and students (55.8%) felt less susceptible to HIV infection. Findings from a factor analysis revealed that the
intention to seek the services was associated with five attitude subscales that were ranked as follows (i) people’s
and personal concerns, (ii) friends concerns, (iii) value of testing, (iv) confidentiality and support, and (v)
perceived susceptibility. The first three items are associated with stigma which was evidenced in the subjects’
report that admitting that one should test for HIV would imply that one has engaged in immoral behaviour.
Secondly, subjects felt that their friends would look down on them if they tested for HIV. Knowing the students’
attitudes will therefore assist in the development of appropriate VCT interventions that will promote HIV testing
and behaviour change.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Higher learning institutions, Risky sexual behaviour, Stigma, HIV testing, VCT
Citation
Mwangi, R.W., Ngure, P.K., Thiga, M.M., & Ngure, J. (2014). Factors Influencing the Utilization of Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services among University Students in Kenya. Global Journal of Health Science, 6, 84 - 93.