Voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS service utilization and associated factors among Hawassa University students, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: In Ethiopia, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) has been instrumental in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, although the country's efforts have been somewhat limited. VCT plays a critical role in ensuring individuals receive care, treatment, and support, while promoting HIV status awareness. However, VCT services in Ethiopia have been inconsistent, resulting in underutilization and variable community engagement. Notably, there is a dearth of research on VCT experiences among university students. Thus this study was aimed to assess VCT service utilization and associated factors among students of Hawassa University, Ethiopia.

Methods: Institution-based cross sectional study was conducted from March 18-20, 2022   among 801 under graduate students drawn from selected departments of Hawassa University using multistage sampling technique. The sample size was estimated based on single population proportion with assumption : 95% confidence interval (two sided), 5% margin of error, and 38.6% expected proportion of VCT uptake among youth, 10%  non-response rate and other contingencies. It was multiplied by two for the design effect. Finally the sample size was 801. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the association of different factors with VCT utilization.

Results: From 801 participants, majority (94%) were in the age range of 20–24 years. More than half (59%) of respondents haven’t had any type of HIV test. Those who have a drug injection practice were 93 % less likely to utilize VCT (AOR= 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.42). Those who have boy or girl friend were about 4 times more likely to utilize VCT (AOR= 3.9, 95% CI: 1.5- 10.3).  Further, those with favorable confidentiality and support were 6 times more likely to utilize VCT (AOR= 6.1, 95% CI: 1.9-19), those with perception of no risk were 5 times more likely to utilize VCT (AOR= 5.1, 95% CI: 2.1- 12) as compared with those who have perception of risk.

Conclusion: the study found low VCT utilization among university students comparable to other studies. The use of VCT was associated with religion, drug injection practice, having boy or girl friend, fear of confidentiality of result and perceived susceptibility. Thus, we recommend special intervention programs targeting injection drug users, their family members, and service providers may increase HIV test. In addition, making HIV testing/VCT clinics more convenient and private would also increase utilization.