Voluntary Counseling And Testing Centers Research Articles

Knowledge and perceptions on the existence of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centers and associated factors among Brazilian LGBT+ individuals.

In Brazil, the advent of voluntary and counseling testing (VCT) has provided many benefits in the fight against AIDS. A sectional open web survey was conducted to investigate the Brazilian LGBT+ individuals' knowledge and perceptions of the existence of VCT centers and their associations with risk behavior and other variables of interest. The study instrument included questions on sociodemographic and behavioral variables, knowledge on VCT, access to and use of it, beliefs about HIV infection, test results, and risk perception. The Risk Behavior Score for HIV infection (RBS) was also used. A total of 1,630 volunteers participated in the survey, of whom 56.8% were men. Of these, 96.1% declared themselves as (MSM). Almost 50% of the participants had never heard about the existence of VCT, which was a higher knowledge score among MSM. A low frequency of participants had a clear perception of the risks to which they are exposed, whereas those with higher RBS were aware of the existence of VCT. As VCT is critical for the implementation of policies to combat and prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, our results can contribute to a better understanding of the influence of VCT on the frequency of testing, serological surveillance, and routine counseling for key populations.

Attitude and practice of secondary school students towards voluntary counselling and testing in Mwanza, North-West Tanzania.

Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has become popular in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, for people to learn about their HIV status and get motivation for positive sexual behaviour change. Our study explored the attitude and practice of secondary school students towards VCT. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Magu, Mwanza, North-West Tanzania. Recorded information included sex, factors promoting or hindering VCT attendance, reasons why attending VCT is necessary, awareness of VCT locations and source of information. Of the 340 students interviewed, 93.2 % knew that VCT was necessary and had reasons such as getting Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) education, checking HIV status and getting advice if found to be HIV positive. The majority (74.4 %) knew the location of the VCT centres. However, only 20.3 % made use of the VCT services. Those who did not use VCT services had reasons such as time limitations, believing they were not infected and fear of being labelled HIV positive. Our study shows that most secondary school students know that VCT is necessary and the locations of the VCT centres, but only a few use VCT services. More effort should be put into educating students and society on the importance of using VCT services.

Applying Lessons from Early-Stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria by 2030

Nigeria has waded through the HIV/AIDS epidemic for more than 35 years now since 1986. Response efforts are down-grading the epidemic from a peak of 5.8% prevalence in 2010 to a decline of 1.4% prevalence in 2019. Nigeria is desirous of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, but the terrain is challenged by bleak economic outlook and socio-political shocks that impose vulnerability including insurgency. This study explores the feasibility of Nigeria ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030, applying evaluation, management by objective (MBO), content analysis and the deductive model to assess early stage Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria for the period 2006 - 2011. Secondary data were collected comprising summary of client flow activities of all 117 VCT centers in the State. Content analysis and deductive model were applied on the data to derive lessons learnt. The study found that: (i) VCT services were beneficial to about 1.9% of the State population, though with gross capacity under-utilization of VCT centers at 2.7 clients/day and the under-utilization of counselors at 0.6 clients served/day arising from low client flow; (ii) counseling process was effective and efficient in persuading consent to test; (iii) routine and mass HIV testing were cost-effective in detecting HIV positive sero-status; (iv) the synergy arising from counseling, testing and referral effectively mobilized Persons Living with HIV/AIDS for improved knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) including formation of support groups averaging approximately 2 support groups per Local Government Area. The study recommends that VCT be adapted to a universal counseling and testing paradigm that includes, among others, outreach counseling and testing sessions, on-line counseling, and help-line supported self-testing. The study concludes that with necessary adjustment in counseling and testing, as well as necessary adjustments in other HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services, the objective of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria by 2030 will be attained.

PATRONAGE OF HIV/AIDS VOLUNTARY COUNSELLING AND TESTING (VCT) AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN GHANA

Purpose: This study investigated the factors influencing patronage of HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) among students in the University of Cape Coast.
 Methodology: Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Referring from Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) Sample Determination Table, a sample of 376 students was chosen using convenience sampling from a population of 18949 students. Data were collected using questionnaire adapted from the instrument of Kabiri (2016) administered online. Data were analysed using means and standard deviations.
 Findings: The study revealed that the students had high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS VCT and its importance but had low level of knowledge about VCT centres. The study found that the respondents were willing to go to HIV/AIDS VCT Centre to check their HIV/AIDS status and knew of some friends who had gone for HIV/AIDS VCT. However, it was clear that the respondents themselves had not visited VCT centres. Additionally, it was shown in this study by the respondents that willingness, perception of risk associated with their sexual lives, positive perception about VCT, attitude of service provides and ease of access to VCT centres are factors which would influence them to patronize HIV/AIDS VCT.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theoretically, the study has highlighted that having awareness of VCT and its importance was not enough to make students patronize VCT services. This means that knowledge and awareness alone was not enough to influence patronage of services.It can also be said that the theory of planned behaviour reviewed in the study was confirmed because a lot of elements are involved in people deciding to engage in specific behaviours. To improve the patronage of VCT, efforts should be put into making VCT centers easily accessible to students. Policy makers are alerted on the low patronage of HIV/AIDS VCT among university students so they can streamline their policies to aid in increasing patronage of VCT by university students.

Using Client Flow to Assess Effectiveness of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Service as the Gateway in the Control of HIV/AIDS in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria

Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, had high prevalence of HIV averaging 7.1% during period under study. In line with national guidelines, the State established 117 Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers designed to function as ‘gateway’ service to other HIV/AIDS services in the State. This study assessed the effectiveness of VCT centers as ‘gateway’ to other HIV/ AIDS services in Anambra State for the period 2006 to 2011 using the client flow recorded by the VCT centers. Descriptive documentary survey was adopted. Secondary data comprising of client flows of the VCT centers were collected. The data were presented in tables as integrated annual summary reports, and analysed as percentages, comparison, and for significance using Chi-Square Test of Significance @ 0.05. It was found that average annual client flows of 1.89% at the VCT centers were not significant. Inference was drawn and conclusion made that VCT service, for the years under study, was not an effective gateway to other HIV/AIDS services in Anambra State. The study recommends a paradigm shift to Universal Counseling and Testing involving, among other features; focus on provider-initiated counseling and testing and liberalization of the location of UCT centers in other public places with high client catchment potentials such as Government Secretariats.

Assessment of HIV/AIDS Service Quality Using SERVQUAL Model in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of services provided in Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers from the perspective of clients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Shiraz, Iran, in 2019. The data were collected using a SERVQUAL questionnaire. Results: The mean scores of expected and perceived service qualities were 4.81 (95% CI: 4.741 - 4.864) and 3.96 (95% CI: 3.901 - 4.019) in male subjects and 4.85 (95% CI: 4.80 - 4.89) and 4.09 (95% CI: 4.01 - 4.135) in female subjects, respectively. There was a significant difference between the expectations and perceptions of clients in all dimensions of service quality in VCT centers. The gaps in the dimensions of responsiveness and empathy were greater than all other dimensions. Conclusions: Due to the high dissatisfaction of PLWH with the quality of services in the responsiveness, accessibility, and empathy dimensions, priority should be given to these dimensions in any improvement effort. The low education level of this group should be taken into account for any educational programs to be successful.

Toward the Policy of Active Case-Finding of HIV Among High-Risk Groups in Iran

Background: Iran should revise some of its current strategies and strengthen others to meet the 95-95-95 targets, focusing on active case-finding (ACF) to combat this epidemic. Objectives: This policy report aimed to shed light on the process of implementing ACF of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among high-risk groups on a nationwide scale. Methods: This policy report is based on the pilot implementation of the first and second phases of optimized HIV case-finding (OCF) program. The first phase was implemented at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from March 2018 to September 2019, and the second phase was implemented in eight other Iranian universities of medical sciences from November 2020 to May 2021. Results: OCF program is being implemented successfully as a pilot in eight universities with a combined population of approximately 21 million and a diverse socio-cultural context. During the seven months of OCF program, 536 new venues of female sex workers (FSWs) or injecting drug users (IDUs) were registered, 1282 new cases received the required services, 3256 services were registered, and 2834 barcodes were activated to follow cases actively. Conclusions: Evidently, OCF program requires a multi-strategy approach. The other critical issue is gaining the support and cooperation of stakeholders through a comprehensive advocacy strategy. Additionally, it is recommended to equip voluntary counseling and testing centers (VCTs) and other components of HIV surveillance systems and train their staff to ensure that their services are as efficient as possible.

Health-Related Quality of Life in People Living with HIV in Southwest Iran in 2018: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one of the most important indicators in assessing the health and well-being of HIV-positive patients. The present study investigated the HRQoL of HIV patients referred to Abadan's Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center in 2019. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 134 HIV+ patients referred to Abadan's VCT center were selected through convenience sampling. Demographic information was collected through a researcher-made checklist; the patients' status and health information were collected through electronic medical records of HIV+ patients and their records at the VCT center. The HRQoL index was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using simple and multiple linear regression as well as a t-test in SPSS software. A P value < 0.05 was considered as the significance level in all tests. The mean of the HRQoL in all the participating patients was 56.42 ± 22.66. The highest and lowest mean scores of HRQoL domains were related to social relationships (57.53 ± 24.73) and environmental health (53.68 ± 19.07). There was a positive significant relationship between the marital status, residency, years of education, duration of infection, transmission route, and antiretroviral (ARV) therapy with the score of the HRQoL. The results showed a moderate score for the mean HRQoL and its domains. The present study revealed the necessity of improving HIV+ patients' living conditions, employment status, health education, and mental health care.

Trends and predictors of HIV positivity and time since last test at voluntary counselling and testing encounters among adults in Kilifi, Kenya, 2006-2017.

Background: Little is known about HIV retesting uptake among key populations (KP) and general populations (GP) in Kenya. We assessed trends and predictors of first-time testing (FTT), late retesting (previous test more than one year ago for GP or three months for KP), and test positivity at three voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres in coastal Kenya. Methods: Routine VCT data covering 2006-2017 was collected from three VCT centres in Kilifi County. We analysed HIV testing history and test results from encounters among adults 18-39 years, categorized as GP men, GP women, men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers (FSW). Results: Based on 24,728 test encounters (32% FTT), we observed declines in HIV positivity (proportion of encounters where the result was positive) among GP men, GP women, first-time testers and MSM but not among FSW. The proportion of encounters for FTT and late retesting decreased for both GP and KP but remained much higher in KP than GP. HIV positivity was higher at FTT and late retesting encounters; at FSW and MSM encounters; and at encounters with clients reporting lower educational attainment and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms. HIV positivity was lower in GP men, never married clients and those less than 35 years of age. FTT was associated with town, risk group, age 18-24 years, never-married status, low educational attainment, and STI symptoms. Late retesting was less common among encounters with GP individuals who were never married, had Muslim or no religious affiliation, had lower educational attainment, or reported STI symptoms. Conclusions: HIV positive test results were most common at encounters with first-time testers and late re-testers. While the proportion of encounters at which late retesting was reported decreased steadily over the period reviewed, efforts are needed to increase retesting among the most at-risk populations.

Trends and predictors of HIV positivity and time since last test at voluntary counselling and testing encounters among adults in Kilifi, Kenya, 2006-2017.

Background: Little is known about HIV retesting uptake among key populations (KP) and general populations (GP) in Kenya. We assessed trends and predictors of first-time testing (FTT), late retesting (previous test more than one year ago for GP or three months for KP), and test positivity at three voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres in coastal Kenya. Methods: Routine VCT data covering 2006-2017 was collected from three VCT centres in Kilifi County. We analysed HIV testing history and test results from encounters among adults 18-39 years, categorized as GP men, GP women, men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers (FSW). Results: Based on 24,728 test encounters (32% FTT), we observed declines in HIV positivity (proportion of encounters where the result was positive) among GP men, GP women, first-time testers and MSM but not among FSW. The proportion of encounters for FTT and late retesting decreased for both GP and KP but remained much higher in KP than GP. HIV positivity was higher at FTT and late retesting encounters; at FSW and MSM encounters; and at encounters with clients reporting lower educational attainment and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms. HIV positivity was lower in GP men, never married clients and those less than 35 years of age. FTT was associated with town, risk group, age 18-24 years, never-married status, low educational attainment, and STI symptoms. Late retesting was less common among encounters with GP individuals who were never married, had Muslim or no religious affiliation, had lower educational attainment, or reported STI symptoms. Conclusions: HIV positive test results were most common at encounters with first-time testers and late re-testers. While the proportion of encounters at which late retesting was reported decreased steadily over the period reviewed, efforts are needed to increase retesting among the most at-risk populations.

HIV drug resistance and HIV transmission risk factors among newly diagnosed individuals in Southwest China

BackgroundThe widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in the development of transmitted drug resistance (TDR), which reduces ART efficacy. We explored TDR prevalence and its associated risk factors in newly diagnosed individuals in Guangxi.MethodsWe enrolled 1324 participants who were newly diagnosed with HIV-1 and had not received ART at voluntary counselling and testing centres (VCT) in Guangxi, China, who had not received ART. Phylogenetic relationship, transmission cluster, and genotypic drug resistance analyses were performed using HIV-1 pol sequences. We analysed the association of demographic and virological factors with TDR.ResultsIn total, 1151 sequences were sequenced successfully, of which 83 (7.21%) showed evidence of TDR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that there was significant difference between the prevalence of TDR and unmarried status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.23–4.71), and CRF08_BC subtype (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.13–3.64). Most cases of TDR were related to resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (4.87%) and V179E was the most common mutation detected. We identified a total of 119 HIV transmission clusters (n = 585, 50.8%), of which 18 (15.1%) clusters showed evidence of TDR (36, 41.86%). Three clusters were identified that included drug-resistant individuals having a transmission relationship with each other. The following parameters were associated with TDR transmission risk: Unmarried status, educational level of junior high school or below, and CRF08_BC subtype may be a risk of the transmission of TDR.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that moderate TDR prevalence and highlighted the importance of continuous TDR monitoring and designing of strategies for TDR mitigation.

Trends and predictors of HIV positivity and time since last test at voluntary counselling and testing encounters among adults in Kilifi, Kenya, 2006-2017

Background: Little is known about HIV retesting uptake among key populations (KP) and general populations (GP) in Kenya. We assessed trends and predictors of first-time testing (FTT), late retesting (previous test more than one year ago for GP or three months for KP), and test positivity at three voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres in coastal Kenya. Methods: Routine VCT data covering 2006-2017 was collected from three VCT centres in Kilifi County. We analysed HIV testing history and test results from encounters among adults 18-39 years, categorized as GP men, GP women, men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers (FSW). Results: Based on 24,728 test encounters (32% FTT), we observed declines in HIV positivity (proportion of encounters where the result was positive) among GP men, GP women, first-time testers and MSM but not among FSW. The proportion of encounters for FTT and late retesting decreased for both GP and KP but remained much higher in KP than GP. HIV positivity was higher at FTT and late retesting encounters; at FSW and MSM encounters; and at encounters with clients reporting lower educational attainment and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms. HIV positivity was lower in GP men, never married clients and those less than 35 years of age. FTT was associated with town, risk group, age 18-24 years, never-married status, low educational attainment, and STI symptoms. Late retesting was less common among encounters with GP individuals who were never married, had Muslim or no religious affiliation, had lower educational attainment, or reported STI symptoms. Conclusions: HIV positive test results were most common at encounters with first-time testers and late re-testers. While the proportion of encounters at which late retesting was reported decreased steadily over the period reviewed, efforts are needed to increase retesting among the most at-risk populations.

Depression, sleep quality and condom use amongst Iranian people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

BackgroundDepression is a common mood disorder in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and is associated with risk-taking sexual behaviour.ObjectivesThis study examines depression, sleep quality and condom usage amongst PLWH in Tehran, Iran.MethodThis cross-sectional study was undertaken between October and November 2019 on 298 PLWH referred to voluntary counselling and testing centres (VCTs) in Tehran. Participants provided information as per the following questionnaires: the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire that evaluated condom use.ResultsA total of 298 PLWH, of whom 202 (67.8%) were men with a mean age of 39.81 years, were enrolled in the study. The DASS classified 57% with depression. Fewer than 20% of these used condoms regularly. The majority of depressed patients were men (68.6%) and 31.4% were women. The depressed patients were more likely not to use condoms than those who were not depressed (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.70–11.42). The adjusted OR for not using a condom amongst the depressed was 7.12 times greater (95% CI, 5.85–10.11) than in those without depression.ConclusionOur findings suggest that depression is common amongst PLWH in Tehran and is associated with risk-taking sexual behaviour. Appropriate interventions are needed to address mental disorders in PLWH. It is recommended that patients be screened regularly for symptoms of depression and, where indicated, counselled and managed.

The need for family planning among female clients of HIV/AIDs Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers in northeast Ethiopia: Integration of family planning with VCT

IntroductionAmalgamating family planning services with HIV/AIDS services for example VCT is very important in preventing unplanned pregnancy, plummeting number of AIDS orphan, preventing perpendicular transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Due to this reason, this study focuses on to determine the level of stipulate and unmet need for family planning among female on VCT. MethodsInstitution based cross-sectional study design was employed in different VCT centers. The study participants were female VCT clients who are in reproductive age group. For sample selection Multistage sampling technique was employed. The study employed mixed study approaches. ResultsThe result showed that large amount of VCT clients want either to limit or to delay child bearing. From the total study participants 166 sexually active clients 30% were current users of family planning methods and out of 384 non users of family planning methods 60% planned to use in the future. The unmet need for family planning among sexually active clients was 55%. The sero-status of the client was not significantly associated with the extent of family planning counseling and the level of unmet family planning need. Multivariate analysis showed that those who were in the age groups 15–19 and 20–24 years were more likely to have high unmet need for family planning as compared to those who were beyond 24 years. ConclusionThe unmet need for family planning in women VCT clients was very high and it was not given due attention at VCT centers in the study area.

Predictors of first-line antiretroviral therapy failure among adults and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in a large prevention and treatment program in Nigeria

BackgroundA substantial number of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Nigeria do not experience durable viral suppression on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Understanding risk factors for first-line treatment failure informs patient monitoring practices and distribution of limited resources for second-line regimens. We determined predictors of immunologic and virologic failures in a large ART delivery program in Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, a tertiary health care facility, using data from February 2005 to December 2014 in Abuja, Nigeria. All PLWH aged ≥ 15 years who initiated ART with at least 6-month follow-up and one CD4 measurement were included. Immunologic failure was defined as a CD4 decrease to or below pre-ART level or persistent CD4 < 100 cells per mm3 after 6 months on ART. Virologic failure (VF) was defined as two consecutive HIV-1 RNA levels > 1000 copies/mL after at least 6 months of ART and enhanced adherence counselling. HIV drug resistance (Sanger sequences) was analyzed using the Stanford HIV database algorithm and scored for resistance to common nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Univariate and multivariate log binomial regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOf 12,452 patients followed, a total of 5928 initiated ART with at least 6 months of follow-up and one CD4 measurement. The entry point for 3924 (66.2%) was through the program’s own voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) center, while 1310 (22.1%) were referred from an outside clinic/program, 332 (5.6%) in-patients, and 373 (6.3%) through other entry points including prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and transferred from other programs. The mean CD4 at enrollment in care was 268 ± 23.7 cells per mm3, and the mean HIV-1 RNA was 3.3 ± 1.3.log10 copies/mL. A total of 3468 (80.5%) received nevirapine (NVP) and 2260 (19.5%) received efavirenz (EFV)—based regimens. A total of 2140 (36.1%) received tenofovir (TDF); 2662 (44.9%) zidovudine (AZT); and 1126 (19.0%) stavudine (d4T). Among those receiving TDF, 45.0% also received emtricitabine (FTC). In a multivariate model, immunologic failure was more common among PLWH with female gender as compared to male [RR (95% CI) 1.22 (1.07–1.40)] and less common among those who entered care at the program’s VCT center as compared to other entry points [0.79 (0.64–0.91)], WHO stage 3/4 as compared to 1/2 [0.19 (0.16–0.22)], or CD4 200 + cells per mm3 as compared to lower [0.19 (0.16–0.22)]. Virologic failure was more common among PLWH who entered care at the program’s VCT center as compared to other entry points [RR (95% CI) 1.45 (1.11–1.91) and those with CD4 < 200 cells per mm3 at entry into care as compared to higher [1.71 (1.36–2.16)]. Of 198 patient-derived samples sequenced during virologic failure, 42 (21%) were wild-type; 145 (73%) carried NNRTI drug resistance mutations; 151 (76.3%) M184I/V; 29 (14.6%) had ≥ 3 TAMs, and 37 (18.7%) had K65R, of whom all were on TDF-containing first-line regimens.ConclusionsIn this cohort of Nigerian PLWH followed for a period of 9 years, immunologic criteria poorly predicted virologic failure. Furthermore, a subset of samples showed that patients failing ART for extended periods of time had HIV-1 strains harboring drug resistance mutations.

Barriers to Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing among undergraduate students of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus- Enugu State, Nigeria

Background: Despite the increase in the level of awareness and usefulness of HIV counselling, Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) &amp; its utilization remains low most especially among vulnerable groups such as university students. Method: A descriptive survey was utilized for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from undergraduate students of the faculty of health sciences and technology.Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis. Result: The mean ageof the respondents was 22.34±2.97, majority (87.1%) had high level of knowledge of voluntary HIV counselling and testing; few (42.6%) respondents had uptake of voluntary HIV counselling and testing, a major personal barrier was low risk perception for HIV as the uptake of voluntary HIV counselling differ among those who perceived vulnerability (52.0%) to HIV/AIDS and those who did not (38.5%), p = 0.021 a major academic institutional barrier was non-availability of VCT centres and services in the schools. Also, non-availability of VCT centre and location of VCT centre far away from respondents’ area of resident were identified as the health institutional barriers. There is no significant difference in the uptake of voluntary HIV counselling and testing among the respondents based on gender and department. Inconclusion, there is low uptake of voluntary HIV counselling and testing among undergraduate health science students andthe major barriers were personal, academic institutional and health institutional barriers. The school authorities should ensure that the awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS and VCT in the campus is intensified to enhance students’ knowledge and the government should establish a functional voluntary counselling and testing centre in the campus to enhance the uptake by the students. Key words : Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); Voluntary HIV counselling and testing; Barriers, Undergraduate students.

The Relationship between Life Satisfaction and Quality of Life among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kermanshah-West of Iran.

Since the late 20th century, identifying the multidimensional nature of HIV/AIDS and its negative effects on mental health and quality of life (QOL) in patients has prompted specialists to identify and control the psychological and behavioural variables resulting from this disorder. Thus, the current study aimed to assessing the relationship between life satisfaction (LS) and QOL among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kermanshah. This descriptive-correlation study was conducted on 364 HIV/AIDS patients referred to the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center (VCT) in Kermanshah in 2016-2017, selected by convenience sampling method. Data gathering tools included Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), World Health Organization Quality of Life-HIV Brief (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) questionnaire and demographic checklist. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient varied from 0.70 to 0.83 for the five subscales of WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire. The result showed that out of 364 patients, 38.19% were women. There was a positive correlation between LS and QOL in patients with HIV/AIDS in Kermanshah (p<.001), and LS was associated with the QOL. Furthermore, the results indicated that LS and QOL in patients with HIV/AIDS were at low levels.

Seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica at a voluntary counselling and testing centre in Tokyo: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAmebiasis, which is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is a re-emerging public health issue owing to sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Japan. However, epidemiological data are quite limited.MethodsTo reveal the relative...

HIV Status and High Risk Behavior of Men having Sex with Men

Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) of HIV is important intervention for the prevention of HIV infection. Aim of this study was to find out HIV status and high risk behavior of men having sex with men. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among men having sex with men (MSM) by administering structured questionnaires. The number of risk factors in a single individual ranged from one to seven out of eight. The mean risk factor was 3.38, with standard deviation 1.3. More than half (55.33%) of them perceived at low risk, 33% perceived themselves at high risk. Regarding HIV status of respondents, 8% were found to be positive. In the past 30 days the respondents had large number of sex partners; majorities of them 90% and 87.3% had 0-20 regular and casual sex partners but 9.8% of MSM had 21-40 regular sex partners and 2.9% had 81-100 casual sex partners respectively. Among the MSM 46.6% were commercial sex worker, 35% were sex drives and 18.4% were intravenous drug user. Majority of them (59.8%) always used condom but 21.56% used sometime only. Some respondents (3.9%) had sign of STIs and 5.8 % had accident of needle injured. There are higher chances for transmission of HIV and other STDS among MSM. The role of VCT centre should be strengthen to awareness raising, isolate HIV positive cases treat them with antiretroviral drugs and counseling them to behavior change.&#x0D; Key words: HIV, MSM, Risk factor

English

Hepatitis B infection (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem worldwide and its co-infection with human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is common due to shared routes of transmission. An increased mortality due to accelerated hepatic disease progression and the frequent hepatotoxicity caused by antiretroviral therapy are the challenges in the clinical management of HIV. Epidemiological studies on HBV and HBV/HIV co infection are scarce in Ethiopia, particularly at the study area. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of HBV, its risk factors and co-infection with HIV among clients of a voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) center in Southern Ethiopia. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st February 2016 to 15th March among clients of Nigist Eleni Memorial Hospital VCT Center. Data were collected by face-to-face interview and specific formula sheet as well recorded results of laboratory diagnosis of blood sample from each participant. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was done to identify predictors of HBV. Overall, 331 participants were included in the study. The prevalence of HBV was 8.8%, HBV/HIV co-infection was found in 3.6%. Individuals with a history of multiple sexual partner [AOR = 10.3; 95% CI, 3.71 - 28.83], previous history of invasive procedure [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 10.88; 95% CI, 3.84 - 30.86] and history of surgical procedure [AOR = 9.2; 95% CI, 3.1 - 27.88] were identified as in dependent predictors of HBV infection. High HBV infection and HBV/HIV co-infection was found in the study. Previous history of surgical procedure, invasive procedure and multiple sexual partners were identified as independent predictor of HBV infection. Key words: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immune deficiency virus, HBV-HIV co-infection, risk factors, Hosanna.