Voluntary Counseling And Testing Utilization Research Articles

Knowledge, acceptance, and uptake of voluntary counseling and testing for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among undergraduates of a public university in Southwestern Nigeria

Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global public health problem, and Nigeria has about 1.9 million people living with the virus. HIV testing and counseling services serve as a very important entry point to HIV/AIDS care and treatment. Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is one of the interventions developed to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. This study determined the knowledge, acceptance, and utilization of VCT for HIV/AIDS among undergraduates in a public University in Southwestern Nigeria. Material and Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, using the multistage sampling technique to select 425 respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented in tables and figures, and inferential statistics were analyzed at a level of significance of 0.05. Results: Over half of the respondents, 226 (53.2%) were within the age range of 18–25 years. The majority were female, 345 (81.2%), single 403 (94.8%), and had never had sexual intercourse 300 (70.6%). Over half of the respondents’ 240 (57%), had above average knowledge of VCT for HIV/AIDs, had above average levels of acceptance 254 (59%), and the majority 326 (76.2%) of the respondents had very low level of utilization of VCT for HIV/AIDS. There was a significant association between respondents’ age (χ2 = 55.599a, P = 0.000), gender (χ2 = 19.094a, P = 0.000), religion (χ2 = 8.990a, P = 0,038), marital status (χ2 = 8.411a, P = 0.038), age at first sex (χ2 = 61.847a, P = 0.000), knowledge of VCT (χ2 = 5.297a, P = 0.021), acceptance of VCT (χ2 = 80.235a, P = 0.000), and their uptake of VCT for HIV/AIDs. Furthermore, selected socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and acceptance of VCT significantly predicted the uptake of VCT among respondents (F [8,416] = 20.163, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that respondents had an above average knowledge and acceptance of VCT but a low level of utilization. To increase the utilization of VCT for HIV/AIDS among undergraduates, public health programs should focus on educating undergraduates and significant others on the importance of VCT in the context of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.

The Utilization of Voluntary Counseling and Testing by Women of Reproductive Age in West Papua

Women of reproductive age living with the human immunodeficiency virus (WRALHIV) have many complex problems regarding their disease and status. They have to access Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) as one of the health services where they would receive antiretroviral treatment to optimize their health and improve their quality of life. The study aims to analyze the factors which determine the utilization of VCT for accessing antiretroviral treatment by WRALHIV in West Papua. It was an observational, cross-sectional study. The subject was women of reproductive age (WRA) aged 15-49 years old, receiving antiretroviral treatment at VCT of Hospitals in Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak. The total was 140 respondents. Data collection was carried out by interviews using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed statistically using the chi-square and logistic regression tests. Most respondents with high intensity in the utilization of VCT services were aged 15-35 years, graduated from senior high school - university, unemployed, and married. Demographic and predisposing variables were not significantly associated, but there were significant associations between enabling factors (distance) with p value=0.00 and reinforcing factor (social support) with p value=0.03 in the utilization of VCT services by WRALHIV in West Papua, in which the distance was more significant than social support in the utilization of VCT services. The easily accessible distance increases their visitation to VCT. In addition, social support had an impact on increasing the utilization of VCT services, and finally, these may improve WRALHIV quality of life.

Utilization of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Experience among Mizan-Tepi University Students in Southwestern Ethiopia.

Background Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is the primary gateway to HIV prevention, caution, and handling, where people learn whether they are infected. This study was aimed to assess the determinants of voluntary counseling and testing experience among students. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November and January, 2020. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select participants from the target group. The Chi-square test, descriptive analysis, and a binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify the factors associated with VCT experience among students. Results Out of 398 participants, 42.5% experienced VCT services. From 59.5% of female participants in the study, only 22.9% experienced VCT services. The logistic regression results revealed that male participants less likely experienced VCT (AOR = 0.549; 95%CI: 0.330, 0.910; p=0.020) compared to female students. Students who had VCT service access in their surroundings (AOR = 2.348; 95%CI: 1.371, 4.020; p=0.002), a sexual partner (AOR = 3.795; 95%CI: 1.214, 11.868; p=0.022), and media access (AOR = 2.374; 95%CI: 1.059, 5.320; p=0.036) were more likely to utilize VCT services than their reference categories. Conclusions VCT utilization among students remains limited. In this study, sex, age, region, the education of mother and father, having boy/girlfriend, the source of information, service access, media access, and attitude were the identified factors of VCT utilization. To enhance the usage of VCT services, the facilities should be publicized, and all information regarding VCT should be made available to teenagers.

Assessment of Intension to Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Utilization and Associated Factors Among Youth Living in Mizan Aman Town, South-West Ethiopia By Health Belief Model, A Cross Sectional Study

Background : - Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services have become one of the most common means of preventing, detecting and improving access to care and support to HIV/AIDS. Currently in Ethiopia, young people are most affected group of HIV/AIDS. Moreover, youth VCT utilization is low in studies among university students. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess youth’s voluntary counseling and testing utilization and associated factors in Mizan-Aman Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Community based cross sectional study was conducted among youth living in Mizan-Aman Twon. The data was collected using pre-tested interviewer administrating questionnaires using simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, multivariate logistic regressions ware used accordingly. A total of 389 youths responded the questionnaire making the response rate of 96.6%. Two hundred thirty five (60.4%) were female. VCT utilization was 42.4% (95% CI=37.8%, 47.6%). Factor associated with intension to VCT service utilization are females [AOR=1.69, 95%CI= (1.017-2.814)]; attending secondary education level (AOR=2.099, 95%CI=(1.12-3.929)) and attending college education level (AOR=3.39, 95%CI=(1.783-6.45)); And having low perceived barrier and cue to action are [AOR=2.63,95%CI (1.236-5.614) and [AOR=10.85, 95 % CI=(6.05-19.46)] respectively. Being female, educated, high perceived barrier and cue to action were identified as significant associated factors for intension to utilize voluntary counseling and testing. More emphases should be given by concerned bodies in Mizan-Aman town health unit, Mizan Aman Health Science College on information translation regarding VCT, focus on male youth, collaborating with educational sectors, and assuring youth to benefit more on VCT services. Keywords: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT), Mizan-Aman, Youth. DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/66-03 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Factors affecting HIV counselling and testing among Ethiopian women aged 15\u201349

BackgroundHIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is a crucial gateway to all strategies related to care, prevention and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Nevertheless, utilization of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service among adults is very low in Ethiopia. The objective of this study is to identify determinants associated with VCT utilization among adult women aged 15–49 in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross–sectional study was conducted based on data taken from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2016. Using cluster sampling, 14,369 women aged 15–49 years were selected from all the nine administrative regions and two city administrations. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with HIV VCT utilization.ResultsOverall prevalence of ever tested for HIV was 53% (95% CI, 52, 54). Aged 20–44, ever married, being at higher socio economic position (SEP) and having risky sexual behavior were factors which are positively associated with VCT utilization. Being Muslims in urban and protestants in rural were factors significantly and negatively associated with VCT utilization. Those who had stigmatizing attitude both in urban and rural and who had comprehensive knowledge in rural were less likely to utilize VCT service.ConclusionVCT utilization among women in Ethiopia is demonstrating better improvement in recent years. However, stigmatizing attitude continued to be among the major factors, which are negatively affecting VCT uptake among women in Ethiopia. Concerted efforts should be made by all stakeholders to mitigate stigma, improve socio economic inequities and increase awareness on the benefit of VCT in controlling HIV in the society. In this aspect, the role of religious leader, schools, health extension workers and community leaders should not be undermined.

Association between Perceived Seriousness, Cues to Action, and Voluntary Counseling and Testing Uptake in Men Who Have Sex with Men in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatera

Background: Utilization of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services in male sex with men (MSM) at Tomuan public health center, in Pematangsiantar is still relatively low (34.4%). The low utilization of VCT services in MSM is related to the perception of seriousness and the possibility of taking action. This study aimed to analyze the influences of perceived seriousness and cues to action on the use of VCT in MSM. Subjects and Method: This was a cross sectional study carried out at Tomuan health center in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatera, in 2017. A sample of 61 MSM was selected for this study. The dependent variable was VCT use. The independent variables were perceived seriousness and cues to action. The data were obtained by questionnaire and analyzed by a multiple logistic regression. Results: Utilization of VCT in MSM increased with perceived seriousness (OR= 11.28; 95% CI= 1.24 to 102.89; p=0.032) and cues to action (OR= 11.45; 95% CI= 1.02 to 128.34; p= 0.024). Conclusion: Utilization of VCT in MSM increases with perceived seriousness and cues to action. Keywords: perceived seriousness, VCT utilization Correspondence: Lambok Nita Situmorang. Masters Program in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Prof. T. Maas, Medan, North Sumatera. Email: nithastmoors@gmail.com. Mobile: 085372537900. Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior 4(2): 121-125 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2019.04.02.04

Knowledge, attitude and factors affecting voluntary HIV counseling and testing services among women of reproductive age group in an Abuja Suburb community, Nigeria


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Background: The entry point to prevention, treatment and control measure of HIV infection is Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT).Objective of study: This study sought to assess the level of awareness, attitude and perception of VCT among women of reproductive age group in Passo community, Abuja, Nigeria.Materials and methods: Between 1stMay to 31stJuly of 2017, interviewer-based questionnaires was used to assessthe socio-demographic data, knowledge of VCT, perception and attitude towards utilization of VCT and factors affecting VCT utilization. The community was divided into three (3) settlements, each having fifty (50) households, from which one respondentwas randomly selected for the study.Results: Seventy (46.7%) of the 150 respondents were aware of VCT; sixty two (62) were not aware and have no knowledge of VCT. There is significant association between occupation and level of education (p<0.05) and knowledge of VCT. There is no significant association between marital status, age and the level of awareness of VCT (p>0.05). Ninety percentof the respondents believedVCT is useful in preventing mother to child transmission of HIV, 116(89.9%) believedits useful to those preparing for marriage, 112 (86.8%) believedVCT is necessary for pregnant women, while 102 (79.1%) believedVCT is useful to those who needed to know their HIV status. Respondents believed that stigmatization and discrimination (87.3%),attitude of health workers administeringVCT (78.7%), location of VCT center (76.7%), and doubt about clients' confidentiality (63.3%)are the leading factors affecting VCT utilization.Conclusion: Despite favourable attitude towards VCT by study respondents, majority of themwere not aware of VCT. In consideration to factors that may limit VCT utilization by people, it's recommended that mass education of utilization of VCT using appropriate physiological approach be considered by health workers and policy makers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Knowledge, attitude and factors affecting voluntary HIV counseling and testing services among women of reproductive age group in an Abuja Suburb community, Nigeria

Background: The entry point to prevention, treatment and control measure of HIV infection is Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT).
 Objective of Study: This study sought to assess the level of awareness, attitude and preception of VCT among women of reproductive age group in passo community, Abuja, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: Between 1st May to 31st July of 2017, interviewer-based questionares was used to assess the socio-demographic data, knowledge of VCT, perception and attitude towards utilization of VCT and factors affecting VCT utilization. The community was d
 ivided into three (3) settlements, each having fifty (50) households, from which one respondent was randomly selected for the study.
 Results: Seventy (46.7%) of the 150 respondents were aware of VCT; sixty two (62) were not aware and have no knowledge of VCT. There is a significant associtaion between occupation and level of education (p<0.05) and knowledge of VCT. There is no significant associacation between marital status, age and the level of awarenes of VCT (p>0.05). Ninety persent of the respondents believed VCT is usefull in preventing mother to child transmission of HIV, 116(89.9%) believed its useful to those preparing for marriage, 112 (86.8%) believed VCT is necessary for pregnant women, whil 102 (79.1%) believed VCT is useful to those who need to know their HIV status. Respondents believed that stigmatization and discrimination (87.3%), attitude of health workers administering VCT (78.7%), location of VCT center (76.7%), and doubt about clients'confidentiality (63.3%) are the leading factors affecting VCT utilization.
 Conclusion: Despite favourable attitude towards VCT by study respondents, majority of them were not aware of VCT. In consideration to factors that may limit VCT utilization by people, it's recommended that mass education of utilization of VCT using appropriate physiological approach be considered by health workers and policy makers.
 

Analisis Faktor Pemanfaatan VCT pada Orang Risiko Tinggi HIV/AIDS

Introduction: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is an entry point for the provision of nursing, support and medication of people living with HIV/AIDS. VCT is also a model for the dissemination of comprehensive information and support to change risk behavior and prevent HIV/AIDS infection. The purpose of this research was describe determinants of VCT utilization for the high risk person of HIV/AIDS at Puskesmas Dupak based on health belief model.Method: Design used in this study was descriptive survey design. The population was high risk people of HIV/AIDS who utilize VCT at Puskesmas Dupak Surabaya in 2010. The variables were component of health belief model for the high risk people of HIV/AIDS who utilize VCT. It consist of perceived susceptibility factor, perceived seriousness factor, perceived benefit and barrier factor, self efficacy, and cues to action factor. The samples were recruited with probability sampling consist of 23 respondents. Data were collected by using structured questionnairs with multiple choice questions and were then analyzed using descriptive analysis.Result: Results showed that perceived suscebtibilty was in strong criteria (61%), perceived seriousness was in strong criteria (78%), perceived benefit was in strong criteria (66%), perceived barrier was in enough criteria (65%), self effi cacy was in strong criteria (82%), and cues to action factor was in strong criteria (52%).Conclusion: Component health belief model to VCT utilization on high risk people of HIV/AIDS was in strong criteria. It is recommended to health worker at Puskesmas Dupak to give adequate information frequently to the high risk people of HIV/AIDS.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing Utilization and Associated Factors among Arba Minch University Students, South Ethiopia

Background: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is the key entry point to prevention, care, treatment and support services, where people learn whether they are infected and are helped to understand the implications of their HIV status and make informed choices for the future. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess voluntary counseling and testing utilization and associated factors among Arba Minch University students. Method: An Institution-based cross-sectional study design with quantitative data collection method was employed among 764 students drawn from selected departments of Arba Minch University; by using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 764 people responded the questionnaire out of 805 proposed study participants with the response rate of 94%, of whom 77.6% were male. From the study participants 97.9% were knowledgeable about HIV transmission and prevention. The prevalence of HIV testing was 61.5% (95% CI=0.58, 0.65). The findings also showed that the participants who are knowledgeable about HIV (AOR=4.46, 95% CI=2.00, 9.89), who are willing to have VCT (AOR=3.22, 95% CI=1.98, 5.25), who heard about presence of confidential testing (AOR=3.66, 95% CI=2.38, 5.62) and who had sex (AO=1.71, CI=1.19, 2.48) were more likely to be tested. Feeling at risk, fear of a positive result and fear of being stigmatized were reported as being the main barriers to VCT utilization. Conclusion: Knowledge about HIV and VCT, willingness to have VCT and presence of confidential testing were independent factors identified as predictors for increased VCT service utilization. Recommendation: More emphases should been given by concerned governmental and non-governmental organizations on independent factors identified as predictors for increased VCT service utilization and removing the main barriers to voluntary counseling and testing.

Factors influencing the uptake of voluntary HIV counseling and testing in rural Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BackgroundVoluntary counseling and testing (VCT) has been one of the key policy responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ethiopia. However, the utilization of VCT has been low in the rural areas of the country. Understanding factors influencing the utilization of VCT provides information for the design of context based appropriate strategies that aim to improve utilization. This study examined the effects of socio-demographic and behavioral factors, and health service characteristics on the uptake of VCT among rural adults in Ethiopian.Methods/designThis study was designed as a cross sectional study. Data from 11,919 adults (6278 women aged 15–49 years and 5641 men aged 15–59 years) residing in rural areas of Ethiopia who participated in a national health extension program evaluation were used for this study. The participants were selected from ten administrative regions using stratified multi-stage cluster sampling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed accounting for factors associated with the use of VCT service.ResultsOverall, men (28 %) were relatively more likely to get tested for HIV than women (23.7 %) through VCT. Rural men and women who were young and better educated, who perceived having small risk of HIV infection, who had comprehensive knowledge, no stigmatization attitude and discussed about HIV/AIDS with their partner, and model-family were more likely to undergone VCT. Regional state was also strongly associated with VCT utilization in both men and women. Rural women who belonged to households with higher socio-economic status, non-farming occupation, female-headed household and located near health facility, and who visited health extension workers and participated in community conversation were more likely to use VCT. Among men, agrarian lifestyle was associated with VCT use.ConclusionsUtilization of VCT in the rural communities is low, and socio-economic, behavioral and health service factors influence its utilization. For increasing the utilization of VCT service in rural areas, there is a need to target the less educated, women, poor and farming families with a focus on improving knowledge and reducing HIV/AIDS related stigma. Strategy should include promoting partner and community conversations, accelerating model-family training, and using alternative modes of testing.

Exploring HIV prevention strategies among street-based female sex workers in Chongqing, China.

Background: Commercial sex plays an increasingly important role in China’s growing HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics. In China, street-based sex workers (SSWs) are a subgroup of female sex workers with a particularly high risk of HIV/STI infections but are neglected in responses to HIV. This study assesses changes in HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) utilization and high-risk sexual behaviors following a three-month HIV preventive intervention among SSWs in Chongqing, China. Methods: A three-month intervention was conducted by a team of peer educators, outreach workers from community-based organizations and health professionals. It mainly included distribution of free pamphlets and condoms and delivery of onsite and clinic-based VCT. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted prior to (n = 100) and immediately following (n = 112) the intervention to assess its impact. In-depth interviews were conducted among 12 SSWs after the intervention to further explore potential barriers to HIV prevention. Results: The intervention significantly increased SSWs’ participation in VCT (from 2.0%–15.2%, P < 0.001). Despite participants’ improved HIV-related knowledge level (from 24.0%–73.2%, P < 0.001), there were minimal changes in the levels of condom use with clients. Qualitative research revealed that fear of police arrest and stigma were the main barriers to VCT utilization. Low condom use was associated with family financial constraints, inadequate power in condom negotiation, low awareness and misconceptions of HIV infection risks. Conclusion: HIV intervention improved VCT utilization and knowledge but we did not observe an increase in condom use after this short intervention. SSWs faced substantial economic, social and environmental barriers to VCT utilization and condom use.

Perception of high school students on risk for acquiring HIV and utilization of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service for HIV in Debre-berhan Town, Ethiopia: a quantitative cross-sectional study.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among youth is largely ignored and remains invisible to both young people themselves and to the society as a whole. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the extent of perception risk of HIV and utilization of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service among high school students at Debre-berhan Town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010 up to January 2011 among secondary school students at Debre-berhan Town. Perception risk and VCT use were considered as dependant variables. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants by taking schools as strata. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 339 students were consented to participate in the study and the response rate was 96.3%. The student ages’ were ranged from 15 up to 24 years. Among the study participants, 30 (8.8%) had sexual contact and the mean age of first sexual encounter was 16.4 (SD =2.05) years. Of sexually active students, 12 (40%) had sex with different persons within the last 6 months, 13 (43.3%) had ever used condom and 15 (50%) had used VCT service. There was no statistically significant association between risk perception towards HIV infection and ever use of VCT service (AOR (95% CI) = 1.0(0.30, 4.02).ConclusionsSome students were engaged in risky sexual behavior even though they had heard about HIV/AIDS. The perception of risk for acquisition of HIV infection and utilization of VCT were low. Thus, education on topic of HIV/AIDS through integrating as part of school curriculum and encouraging the existing health institutions to provide youth-friendly sexual counseling services including VCT for HIV are strongly recommended.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services and its role in HIV/AIDS prevention and management in Nepal

HIV/AIDS has emerged as a serious epidemic in Nepal, concentrated amongst the most-at-risk populations. Volun-tary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a proven strategy for the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS especially in developing countries. Given that the utilization of VCT is low in Nepal, it is important to understand the barriers and challenges that Nepal is facing in the provision and utilization of these services. This study aimed to provide recommendations for policy makers to improve the utilization of VCT services in Nepal. A qualitative study of VCT health service providers and government officials was undertaken in 4 cities of Nepal. Sixteen interviews, three joint interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were then analyzed using a thematic analysis framework and major themes were identified. Various barriers including socio-cultural issues, geography, the presence of stigma and discrimination faced by people with HIV/AIDS and a lack of knowledge and awareness were identified as important factors limiting the utilization of VCT services. Current gov-ernment efforts to improve VCT service provision, although promising, require ongoing development. Systemic barriers included the sustainability of the temporary NGO VCT services, lack of staff and training, inadequate moni-toring and evaluation and limited access to services for people living in rural areas. To increase the sustainability and utilization of VCT services, the Government can intervene in a number of areas including the integration of VCT services with existing primary health care services and addressing ongoing education and quality assurance. South East Asia Journal of Public Health 2013; 3(1): 10-16 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/seajph.v3i1.17705

Is community conversation associated with human immunodeficiency virus voluntary counseling and testing service uptake in rural communities in Ethiopia? A comparative cross-sectional study

Background:Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is a cost-effective tool to prevent and control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immodeficiency syndrome. Community conversation (CC) is a community-based strategy meant to enhance the community utilization of VCT. However, the role of CC in VCT service uptake has not yet been evaluated.Aims:This study was conducted to compare VCT service utilization between rural communities with well CC performance and rural communities with poor CC performance in Shebedino woreda.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional comparative community-based study was conducted in 2010 among 462 selected adults in the age bracket of 15-59 years. VCT service uptake was compared between well CC performing communities and poor CC performing communities using two sample test of proportion. Predictors of VCT service uptake were determined using logistic regression model.Results:Uptake of VCT service and the related VCT knowledge were statistically higher in well CC performing communities than poor CC performing communities; [73.0% vs. 54.1%, P < 0.001) vs. 97.8% vs. 93.8%, P = 0.034]. CC, VCT knowledge, and knowledge on HIV transmission were independent predictors of VCT service utilization.Conclusion:Uptake of VCT service is higher in well CC performing communities. Emphasis should be given to strengthen CC performance.

Community Based Promotion on VCT Acceptance among Rural Migrants in Shanghai, China

ObjectiveVoluntary counseling and testing (VCT) plays an important integral role in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, VCT service has not been effectively utilized among rural migrants, a high risk group in China. In this study, we developed a community based intervention to examine if community mobilization with comprehensive VCT is more effective than current HIV preventions with routine VCT service in promoting VCT acceptability among rural migrants in Shanghai, China.MethodsA comprehensive intervention with community mobilization and comprehensive VCT services including community-based VCT and mobile VCT was implemented during 2007–2009. Three communities in Minhang District of Shanghai were randomly selected and were designed to receive community mobilization and comprehensive VCT, traditional VCT and none intervention, respectively. After 24 months intervention, effects were evaluated by comparing outcome indicators between the baseline (2,690 participants) and follow-up surveys (1,850 participants).FindingsA substantial increase in VCT acceptance was observed among community mobilization group (94.9% vs. 88.5%, P<0.001), whereas the reverse effect was seen in the traditional VCT group (86.1% vs. 94.6%, P<0.001) and control group (69.0% vs. 91.7%, P<0.001). Rural migrants from community mobilization group were more likely to accept VCT (OR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.69–4.97). Rural migrants from community mobilization group also showed significant increase in HIV/AIDS knowledge, positive attitude towards HIV positive individuals and condom use.ConclusionCommunity mobilization with comprehensive VCT has significant impact on promotion of VCT acceptance and utilization among rural migrants in Shanghai. These findings provide evidence to support community mobilization as a suitable strategy for VCT promotion among rural migrants in Shanghai, China.

Influencing factors for seeking HIV voluntary counseling and testing among tuberculosis patients in Cambodia

We explored the factors influencing voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) utilization among tuberculosis patients attending two referral hospitals in Cambodia. We conducted face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. We compared HIV/AIDS knowledge, HIV testing attitudes, risks for exposure to HIV, and AIDS stigma between VCT users and non-users. Compared to VCT non-users, VCT users had significantly higher risks for HIV and were more likely to have used condoms. Regarding stigma, VCT non-users demonstrated significantly greater AIDS stigmatizing beliefs compared to VCT users. To increase VCT utilization among TB patients, we need effective strategies to reduce AIDS stigma among them. Moreover, initiation of routine HIV testing in TB facilities might be another effective solution.