Factors influencing uptake of voluntary counselling and testing services among males and famales aged (15-45 years) in Kirongwe ward mafia island.

Abstract

Background Voluntary Counseling and Testing is an agenda and client centered approach that entails an informed psychoanalysis and testing of an individual that enables him or her to make an informed choice to get tested for HIV sero-status. Objective The purpose of the study was to determine the factors that were influencing the uptake of voluntary counseling and testing of HIV services in Kirongwe ward, Mafia Island. Methods The study engaged a descriptive cross-sectional study design that employed quantitative data collection methods. Both probability and non-probability sampling methods were employed during the study. A researcher administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results The majority, 51% of men and women were between 25-34 years old, and 15.88% were self employed. Utilization of VCT services was high among both men and women. All the respondents’ culture allowed the attendance of VCT and only 53% stated that their mosque sheikh would support them when they are HIV positive. Age (OR=4.000, P=0.002, 95% CI=0.000-2.045), marital status (OR=0.000, P=0.010, 95% CI=0.000-2.626), level of education (OR=1, P=0.050, 95% CI=0.010-1.093) and Occupation (OR=1.0176, P=0.0090, 95% CI=0.000- 0.000) were statistically significant among the socio-economic factors that were influencing the utilization of VCT services. The belief that every person is at risk of getting HIV and AIDS (OR=1, P=0.044, 95% CI=9.000- 7.098), Does your culture prohibit attending VCT services (OR=3.042, P=0.031, 95% CI=0.097- 5.098), Do you think that VCT is necessary (OR=4.871, P=0.006, 95% CI=6.098-9.098) and Can VCT services improve your health (OR=7.69979, P=0.037, 95% CI=0.012-0.373) were statistically significant among the Cultural factors that influenced the uptake of VCT services. Results from the study specified that the attitude of health workers (OR=1, P=0.020, 95% CI=0.004-1.0066), Awareness about VCT Services (OR=1.989, P=0.003, 95% CI=0.007-9.789) and Availability of VCT Services (OR=4.903, P=0.006, 95% CI=3.906-5.986) were significantly associated with the utilization of VCT services as far as health system factors were concerned. Conclusions and recommendations The utilization of VCT services among men and women was high. Age, marital status, level of education and Occupation were among the among the factors that influenced the Uptake of VCT services. From the findings in the study, the government of Tanzania should advance VCT services in order to enable men and women to access them. This together with making VCT services available and accessible will improve VCT utilization ever more. The ministry of Health Tanzania in collaboration with development partners should promote VCT programs for all men and women between the age of 15-45 years. This should be achieved through disseminating Information Education and communication materials and training peer educators. This will help harmonize with health care workers in the delivery of VCT services thus increasing awareness. Development partners in partnership with the government of Tanzania should carry out VCT campaigns in order to educate both the young men and women on VCT approaches.