Acceptability of HIV Test and Treat among Women and Men Seeking Health Care at Monze Mission Hospital

Abstract

The HIV test and treat strategy removes many barriers that interrupt HIV intervention. The Test and Treat campaign is an important strategy such that it promotes the general public access various promotive, preventive and treatment services. The aim of the study was to determine the acceptability of HIV Testing and Treatment and factors that influence acceptance among women and men seeking health care at Monze Mission Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was used at Monze Mission Hospital in Monze district. The findings from 171 patients showed that 72% (12) participants knew the meaning of HIV test and treat policy compared to 28% (48) that seemed not to know. The general distribution of HIV test acceptability among participants shows that the majority of the participants in this study had accepted to be tested for their HIV status. The study shows that 87% of the study participants accepted to be tested for HIV. The study shows that acceptability for HIV test and treat as per UNAIDS 2020 target i.e achieving 90/90/90 has not been achieved. This could be due to less sensitization as 28% of participants never knew the meaning of the policy. Other factors could be lacking awareness, 31% of the participants were not aware of care, treatment, and support services availability for HIV positive people at the hospital. To achieve acceptability of HIV test and treatment, we need to consider educational programs to strengthen or increase sensitization on the meaning and benefits of the program. Keywords: Acceptability to HIV; test; treat; men and women.