Determining Factors for Utilizations of Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing Among Primary School Teachers in South-West Ethiopia
Bediru Abamecha Sheki
Background: Globally, HIV/AIDS is one of the most destructive pandemics human kind has ever faced. Despite, it is widely asserted that the
education sector has been profoundly affected; majority of teachers in developing countries did not know their status.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design using quantitative data collection methods was conducted to describe factors influencing VCT uptake in the study area. Simple random sampling was used to select nine of the eighteen woredas and systematic random sampling was used to reach to six hundred thirty sample size. The SPSS window version (22.0) was used for analysis, where socio-demographic factors
were summarised using distribution statics.
Results: The overall prevalence of VCT utilization was 47.3%( 285/603). A multivariable binary logistic regression confirmed that perceived risk of HIV/AIDS (p=0.009; AOR= 1.69 (1.14-2.50), perceived benefits (p=0.003; AOR= 2.65(1.39-5.02) and education level (p=0.009; AOR= 1.69(1.14-2.50) were significantly associated with VCT uptake. The long waiting time, providers skill, VCT site, stigma, privacy and confidentiality were identified as hindering factors for VCT services.
Conclusions: The study revealed low VCT uptake (N=285, 47.3%). Perceived risk of HIV/AIDS, perceived benefits of VCT uptake and education background were significantly associated with VCT uptake. There is need to improve awareness of teachers, advocate for VCT uptake, reduce stigma and create conducive environment to increase of VCT uptake.
