Factors contributing to low utilisation of voluntary conselling and testing among adults 18 years and above in Nakonde district.

Abstract

The study sought to determine factors contributing to low utilisation of VCT services among male and female adults 18 years and above of Mwenzo Rural Health Center. The findings of this descriptive cross sectional study revealed that all respondents were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and VCT services being offered at the health centre, Two thirds (60%) of the respondents stated that they had never had an HIV test done before. All the respondents reported that they attended VCT services. All the respondents reported that they received poor VCT services. Over a quarter of the respondents (26%) suggested that all persons seeking health care must be routinely tested for HIV. Almost a quarter (30%) said that all HIV and AIDS Counsellors must uphold confidentiality while 17.1% of the respondents suggested that some more VCT centres should be opened in each village. Only 14.3% suggested that community health workers, traditional birth attendants, and NHCs should be trained as counsellors so that they can be conducting HIV tests in their villages. But there is need to strengthen the existing VCT services through continuous sensitisation of all adults by health workers in collaboration with community based volunteers if we have to yield good response from male and female adults in reducing the HIV/AIDS infection and promotion of behaviour change.