Factors Influencing HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Service utilization among Youth of Hawassa town: a Health Belief Model Approach, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

In spite of its important role in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, Voluntary Counseling & testing (VCT) service is being utilized poorly (21.9%) by the youth. Identifying the influencing factors in the utilization of the service enables the behavioral change intervention process more effective & efficient. The study was conducted in Awassa town, Southern Nation & Nationality Peoples’ Region(SNNPR) of Ethiopia t o assess factors influencing utilization of Voluntary HIV Counseling &Testing service among 18 to 24 years old adolescents in Awassa town. A cross- sectional qualitative study was conducted considering Health Belief Model (HBM) approach and 05 focus group discussions & 13 in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured guides and audiotape recorder and the data was analyzed manually using thematic frame work (Coding Book). The three major factors perceived as inhibiting for the utilization of Voluntary Counseling & Testing (VCT) service were fear of stigma and discrimination, fear of coping with positive HIV test result and high HIV risk perception. On the other hand, the three most commonly cited perceived factor to enhance the utilization of VCT service in this study were having marriage plan, presence of Care & Support including Anti Retroviral therapy (ART) and persuasion by health professionals. It is recommended that tailored Behavioral Change Communication (B.C.C) interventions on HIV/AIDS prevention and VCT utilization should be undertaken, Advocacy, at a local level, should be made on the importance of the “voluntary” component of VCT giving emphasis on the draw backs of persuasion for HIV test. The role of HIV risk perception as a factor in influencing VCT service utilization should be further studied.