Revista de Enfermagem e Cuidados

Challenges to use Volunteer Counseling and Testing for HIV/AIDS among Jimma University College of Public Health and Medical Sciences Graduating Class Students Jimma, South West Ethiopia, Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Mebruka Sahib Bezani, Muluneh Haile and Sena Belina Kitila

Background: HIV/AIDS is a major public health problem, whether by its impact at national, community, and individual level, since the first cases of AIDS report. Volunteer Counselling and Testing (VCT) is the most effective strategy in bringing positive behavioural change on HIV/ AIDS and play an important role in helping people to change their sexual behaviour, reduce HIV transmission. The aim of this study was to assess challenges to use VCT among Jimma University College of Public Health and Medical Sciences Graduating Class Students.

Methods: Cross sectional study with quantitative methods of data collection was employed from April 1st to 15/ 2012 using pre tested self-administering questionnaire was used for data collection.

Result: Data was extracted from 219 respondents that makes response rate 92.02%. Out of the 219 respondents 182 (83.1%) were males, 118(53.9%) were within age group between 21-24 years, majority of respondents 215 (98.2%) were single, 134(61.2%) were Christian by their religion, majority51(23.3%) of the respondents were from Health officer department, 147(67.1%) had get pocket money ≥ to 344 birr and 103 (47.0%) had history of residence change. 68(31.1%) were being tested and 215(98.2%) knowledgeable 137(62.6 %) had positive attitude, 140(92.7%) had willingness to be tested .

Conclusions and recommendations: This study showed low utilization of VCT service VCT service even though majority of respondents had knowledge and positive attitude. The significant predictors’ for its use were: fear of outcome result, community attitude, social stigma, rejection. Willingness to use it has significant association with some of socio demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude of the respondents. Further prospective studies with both qualitative and quantitative method of data collection is recommended.