TITLE:
Prevalence and Predictors of Non-Uptake of HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing among Undergraduates of Tertiary Institution in Abia State, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Prince Ezenwa N. Onyemachi, Madu James Awa, Mazi E. C. Ejikem, Juliet U. Enukeme
KEYWORDS:
Prevalence, Predictors, VCT Non-Uptake, Tertiary Institution, Abia State
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Statistics,
Vol.11 No.1,
January
13,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background: One of
the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in Nigeria
is Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT). However, its utilization among
young adults, particularly undergraduates, is very low. The aim of the present
study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of non-uptake of VCT among
undergraduates. Methods: A cross sectional study using quantitative
methods was conducted. Using simple random sampling, three faculties were
selected out of nine and 422 respondents were selected from three faculties.
Interviews were conducted using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data
analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences version 20.
Prevalence was measured by the percentage of respondents that had never used
VCT. Analytical statistics were done using chi-square test to measure strength
of association between VCT uptake and knowledge and attitude of respondents.
Association with P-value 0.05 was considered significant. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of non-uptake of
VCT. The associations were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence
intervals. Results: Overall, 59.3% of respondents were knowledgeable about
VCT while majority, 64.7% had negative attitude towards it. Knowledge (X2 = 9.89, P-value 2 = 10.78, P-value OR 1.874 (1.058 - 3.289), P Conclusions: VCT uptake among undergraduates was low and
determined by VCT-related ignorance, poor attitude, fear of positive result and
HIV/AIDS-related stigma/discrimination. In order to change the narrative,
HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in Nigeria should address the
identified predictors of non-VCT uptake. There is a need to focus on young
adults when designing, expanding and implementing VCT services in the country.