Psycho-Social factors in voluntary counselling and testing(VCT)
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Date
2009
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The main purpose of the study was to collect baseline data on psycho-social factors affecting utilization of VCT services amongst the 15 to 49 year old people in Windhoek. A cross sectional exploratory study design was utilized and the study generated baseline data using quantitative methods. Data were collected from 200 respondents using a standard structured questionnaire that was administered face to face by the researcher and two assistants. The sample design for the household survey was a stratified two-stage probability sample
The findings suggest that there was more preference to receive HIV results on the same day. The preference by participants to receive results on the same day may suggest that rapid HIV testing is preferable and might be one way that can be used to improve collection of results. For social support, the findings seem to suggest that parents as well as church pastors are very supportive of individuals going for HIV testing. However, tested individuals were equally likely as those not tested to agree that the church pastors and parents would provide them with support if they tested HIV positive
Outcome expectations and factors related thereof were identified to be important in distinguishing those who had been tested for HIV from those who had not taken HIV testing. More importantly, those who tested for HIV before were more likely to report that knowing one's HIV status brings peace of mind, helps access ARVs and is important for positive living as compared to their never tested counterparts. Thus, demand creation strategies for HIV testing may need to emphasize on these key benefits of getting tested
On perceptions about availability of ART, the findings show that individuals who never tested for HIV are less likely to believe that ART is readily available if they needed it compared to those tested. Additionally, respondents who never tested for HIV did not seem to agree that public health facilities near where they stayed offered free ART, compared to those that tested for HIV before. Such perceptions are critical in determining demand for HIV testing. The findings seem to suggest that factors related to quality of VCT services are pertinent in determining demand for HIV testing
A significant difference between the perceptions of tested and non tested participants was observed.
The main purpose of the study was to collect baseline data on psycho-social factors affecting utilization of VCT services amongst the 15 to 49 year old people in Windhoek. A cross sectional exploratory study design was utilized and the study generated baseline data using quantitative methods. Data were collected from 200 respondents using a standard structured questionnaire that was administered face to face by the researcher and two assistants. The sample design for the household survey was a stratified two-stage probability sample
The findings suggest that there was more preference to receive HIV results on the same day. The preference by participants to receive results on the same day may suggest that rapid HIV testing is preferable and might be one way that can be used to improve collection of results. For social support, the findings seem to suggest that parents as well as church pastors are very supportive of individuals going for HIV testing. However, tested individuals were equally likely as those not tested to agree that the church pastors and parents would provide them with support if they tested HIV positive
Outcome expectations and factors related thereof were identified to be important in distinguishing those who had been tested for HIV from those who had not taken HIV testing. More importantly, those who tested for HIV before were more likely to report that knowing one's HIV status brings peace of mind, helps access ARVs and is important for positive living as compared to their never tested counterparts. Thus, demand creation strategies for HIV testing may need to emphasize on these key benefits of getting tested
On perceptions about availability of ART, the findings show that individuals who never tested for HIV are less likely to believe that ART is readily available if they needed it compared to those tested. Additionally, respondents who never tested for HIV did not seem to agree that public health facilities near where they stayed offered free ART, compared to those that tested for HIV before. Such perceptions are critical in determining demand for HIV testing. The findings seem to suggest that factors related to quality of VCT services are pertinent in determining demand for HIV testing
A significant difference between the perceptions of tested and non tested participants was observed.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts(Social Work)
Keywords
AIDS disease social aspects Namibia, AIDS disease patients counseling Namibia, AIDS diseas diagnosis Namibia