Abstract
Despite recent declines in global HIV/AIDS mortality, HIV/AIDS is still the leading cause of death especially in in Sub-Saharan Countries. Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) and consistent condom use among BodaBoda operators are very important in the prevention and control of the infection. This study determined the consistent condom and voluntary counseling and testing services utilization among BodaBoda operators in Coastal region of Kenya. A cross-sectional study was carried between February to December 2015. A multi-stage sampling method was applied to randomly select the BodaBoda operators. Stratification, random and systematic sampling techniques were used to identify the study participants. Interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences version 16. Analytical statistics were done using odds ratio to measure strength of association between Condom and VCT uptakes and independent variables. Association with p-value <0,05 was considered significant. Binary regression was used to identify predictors of condom and VCT uptakes. Of 385 participants, 98.7% were male and 1.3% female. This study revealed that the prevalence of VCT uptake and consistent condom use among BodaBoda operators in Coastal Kenya was 53.0% and 60.0% respectively. VCT uptake was found to be significantly predicted bygender (AOR=3.216, 95% CI: 1.410-9.964), visiting a VCT centre with a partner (AOR=16.39, 95%CI: 3.012-17.624), assurance of confidentially of HIV test results (AOR =4.79, 95% CI: 2.033-8.907), known VCT (AOR=0.152, 95% CI: 0.034-0.221) and fear of being seen at VCT centre (AOR=0.551, 95% CI: 0.307-0.988). Consistent condom use was significantly associated with gender (AOR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.48), Educational status (AOR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.85) and marital status (AOR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.07-2.15). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of VCT uptake and consistent condom use was found to be low. VCT utilization uptake among the operators was influenced by gender, assurance of confidentiality of the HIV test results, going to a VCT with a partner, fear of being seen at a VCT centre and going to a known VCT. The main predictors of consistent condom use were found to be gender, educational level and marital status. Integration of friendly VCT services would increase VCT uptake among BodaBoda operators. Support and care received after knowing the test results should be clearly communicated as it reduces stigma. Therefore, interventions targeting sex, educational status and marital status are recommended.
Highlights
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a growing public health problem in Kenya
It is important to measure coverage of Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) uptake among BodaBoda operators, because of their vulnerability to HIV and because they may experience some obstacles in accessing the VCT services
The findings look similar to a study conducted in Ethiopia in which the major proportion of the respondents were found to be aware of the VCT services [26]
Summary
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a growing public health problem in Kenya. The epidemic has extended beyond the commonly the commonly classified high-risk groups and now is common in the general population. Risk behaviours are fostered by trade for sex, constant cash flow and high sexual activity It is for this reason that taxi drivers [20] and other transport operators like BodaBoda operators call for more HIV testing and counselling services. We assessed the predictors of consistent condom and voluntary counselling and testing services utilisation among BodaBoda Operators in Coastal Region of Kenya. Such information can help improve the design of intervention campaigns to reduce the spread of HIV in this group, among high-risk groups and the general population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
