Factors Associated With Uptake of Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services among Boda Boda Operators in Ndhiwa Constituency, Western Kenya

Abstract

Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) provides access to ARVS, HIV patient care, support and behaviour change. In spite of these benefits, its ample utilization is still wanting in various rural areas of Kenya including Ndhiwa constituency where boda boda business is a major means of transport and economic activity. The study was to determine uptake of VCT services and its associated factors among Boda Boda operators in Ndhiwa constituency. A cross-sectional study using questionnaires with systematic random sampling was adopted. Data was analysed using SPSS Version 16.0. Both descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. Binary logistic regression was done to adjust for confounding. The prevalence of VCT uptake among the operators was 71.9%. Factors that were significantly associated with uptake of VCT among the operators were male gender (OR=4.529, 95% CI=1.753-11.687), going to a VCT centre with a sexual partner (OR=7.286, 95% CI=3.012- 17.624) and being assured of confidentially of HIV test results (OR=4.79, 95% CI=2.033-8.907). In conclusion, there is need to develop interactive programmes between the operators and the immediate society to translate the HIV/AIDS awareness of the operators to the community. Couple counselling and testing should be encouraged among the operators and within the community.