Voluntary Counseling And Testing Services Research Articles

Factors that influence the use of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics by people living with HIV/AIDS in MSM group

Introduction: The VCT Clinic service program is one of the early detection efforts to find out whether someone has been infected with HIV or not through Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT). Risky sexual behavior with HIV/AIDS is the MSM group. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the utilization of VCT services in the MSM group. Research Methodology: This study is a type of quantitative research with an approach using a cross-sectional study design. The population in this study were all HIV/AIDS sufferers who were undergoing ARV treatment at the Kendari City Hospital in 2023, totaling 349 people. Data were analyzed using SPSS to determine the frequency distribution and the chi-square statistical test to determine the variables' relationship. Result: The results showed a relationship between knowledge and the utilization of VCT clinics by the MSM group with a closeness level of 0.517, which indicated a moderate closeness of the relationship. There was a relationship between actions and the utilization of VCT clinics by the MSM group with a closeness level of 0.343, which indicated a weak closeness of the relationship. There is a relationship between family support and the use of VCT clinics by the MSM group, with a closeness level of 0.262, indicating a weak closeness of the relationship. There is a relationship between social support and the use of VCT clinics by the MSM group, with a closeness level of 0.300, indicating a weak closeness of the relationship. Conclusion: The analysis results show a significance value of <0.05, meaning there is a relationship between knowledge, attitudes, actions, social support, and family support with the use of VCT clinic services. Suggestions: It is hoped that the Kendari City Health Office will make policies in carrying out HIV/AIDS prevention activities, especially for the MSM group, by maximizing socialization about HIV/AIDS in hotspots where the group carries out activities. In addition, it is coordinating with the Education Office to provide education and socialization to students and the community to limit and avoid factors that cause risky sexual behavior.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexually transmitted infection testing and diagnosis in Lebanon: A retrospective chart review

BackgroundSocial distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions to sexual health services (SHS) worldwide. During the first year of the pandemic, Lebanon implemented multiple lockdowns during which SHS endured repetitive closures. We explore the impact of the pandemic on SHS delivery and the diagnosis rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among attendees of a large sexual health clinic in Beirut, Lebanon. MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of the clinic's database, including data on voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). We compared the number and types of services provided, and the number and rate of positive VCT diagnoses pre- (Mar 2019–Feb 2020) and post- (Mar 2020–Feb 2021) COVID-19 onset. ResultsMen who have sex with men (MSM) comprised 35 % and 40 % of attendees pre- and post- COVID-19 onset, respectively. Post-COVID-19 onset, a total of 1350 VCT services and 406 medical consultations were provided, an overall 45 % decrease compared with pre-COVID-19 onset. The prevalence pre-COVID-19 onset of HIV, syphilis, HBV, and HCV was 0.8 %, 0.3 %, 0.2 %, and 0.1 %, respectively, and post-COVID-19 onset 1.2 %, 0.7 %, 0.3 %, and 0.3 %, respectively. Post-COVID-19 onset, 1.7 % of patients tested positive for any STI compared with 1.1 % pre-COVID-19 onset (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 0.8–2.7). Close to 90 % of all positive diagnoses were among MSM. The prevalence of HIV, syphilis, HBV, and HCV among MSM in the total sample was 2.1 %, 1.2 %, 0.4 %, and 0.3 %, respectively. ConclusionCOVID-19 related closures led to substantial reduction in SHS accessibility among clinic attendees. STI positivity rates increased post-COVID-19 onset, although this increase was not statistically significant. Findings suggest that sexual risk behavior was taking place during the pandemic despite the lockdowns and highlight the need to minimize disruptions in provision of SHS during similar crises, particularly to key populations.

HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing Utilisation among School of Healthcare Sciences Undergraduate Students at the University of Limpopo.

Existing evidence indicates that South African university students have low utilisation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the utilisation of HIV VCT among undergraduate students in the School of Healthcare Sciences. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data through Google Forms. The results are presented through descriptions and percentages and illustrated in tables. Out of 389 undergraduate students, only 324 completed the questionnaire. The majority (97.2%) were aware of the health centre on campus, while only (74.7%) knew about the HIV VCT services offered on campus. Despite the awareness, many (36.7%) do not utilise the campus HIV VCT services, and some (9.6%) have never tested for HIV. There was an association between awareness of Voluntary Counselling and Testing of HIV services offered at the campus health and wellness centre and utilisation of HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing at (<0.001). Therefore, it is imperative to urgently escalate the level of HIV/AIDS education in higher institutions of learning and emphasise the mounting danger of HIV infection and the immense importance of regular HIV testing. The findings of this study could serve as a foundation for creating HIV prevention and control programmes for youth, particularly in higher education institutions.

Analysis of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Service Utilization Factors in Tuberculosis (TB) Patients in Semarang City

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and is the leading cause of health problems and the most common cause of death worldwide. Tuberculosis is the disease that causes the most health problems in the community to date. Based on data from the Semarang City Health Office, it is known that 41.4% of tuberculosis patients will undergo Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) screening in 2022. This is of course still below the screening target, which is the 100% target. Mismatch with VCT screening targets in TB patients can occur due to fear and anxiety if TB patients know their health status related to HIV and AIDS. This study was prepared using a cross-sectional design. The number of respondents included is 107 people diagnosed with TB at Kedungmundu, Bangetayu, and Tlogosari Wetan Health Centers in 2023. Univariate and Bivariate analyses were used to analyze the results of this study. The results of this study found that variables consisting of age, marital status, and education had no relationship with the use of VCT services in tuberculosis (TB) patients in Semarang City.

Determinants of preventive sexual behaviours among first year university students in Beira city, central Mozambique: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundUnderstanding determinants of preventive sexual behaviours is important for intervention efforts to support these behaviours and, thereby, reduce STIs and HIV burden. In general, there is limited insight into determinants of preventive behaviours among university students in Mozambique. Therefore, this study set out to assess both the prevalence and the determinants of condom use and voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service use in first year university students.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in May–September 2021, at the Universidade Católica de Moçambique and the Universidade Licungo, in Beira central Mozambique. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, heterosexual relationship experiences and personal determinants posited to be associated with condom use and VCT service use. We included 819 participants, who were selected using a clustered and random sampling design. We used Pearson's chi-square test to compare proportion and estimate the crude odd ratio as the effect size measure at 95% confidence interval, and Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance to determine correlation coefficients of means and the behaviours of interest at 95% confidence interval.ResultsCondoms were used by 96.1% of male participants and 95.0% of female participants. Additionally, 55.1% of male participants and 57.5% of female participants had previously used VCT services. Condom use was associated with discussing sexuality with mother, and self-efficacy for condom use negotiation, and negatively associated with attitudes that condoms reduce pleasure. VCT service use was associated with discussing sexuality with mother, sexual debut, having a sexual partner, and being in what they consider an important heterosexual relationship. Knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and subjective norms were weakly associated with VCT service use.ConclusionIn first year university students in Mozambique, reported condom use was high but VCT services were only used by about half of the participants. Interventions aiming to increase VCT service use should focus on improving communication between parents and their adolescent or young adult children, providing personalized risk information, demonstrating that VCT service use is pleasant and non-judgmental, improving users’ confidence to schedule a visit, and preparing users for possible positive testing results.

HIV testing cascade among men who have sex with men at higher HIV risk in Serbia

Abstract Background Successful HIV prevention requires motivation, access, and effective use by priority populations. Accessible and non-stigmatizing HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is the first step towards timely diagnosis. In Serbia, there is a concentrated HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), with 49.2% of new diagnoses being detected late in 2021, based on initial CD4 cell count. We examined key aspects related to HIV testing among a high-risk sample of Serbian MSM to improve national HIV prevention guidelines. Methods A bio-behavioral cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling study among MSM in 4 cities in Serbia was conducted in 2021 (N = 1,300). We analyzed HIV testing among MSM who had unprotected anal sexual intercourse (UAI) in the last 12 months. The motivation pillar was operationalized as adequate knowledge of where VCT services can be obtained, the access pillar was operationalized as having ever had HIV testing, and the effective use of the VCT service pillar was operationalized as HIV testing in the last 6 months. Results Of all MSM reached, 63.8% had practiced UAI in the last 12 months, of whom 66.47% knew where to access VCT services. Of these, 88.9% had even been tested for HIV, yet only a quarter (25.5%) had been tested in the last 6 months. Therefore, only 15.1% of MSM who practiced UAI in the last 12 months had been recently tested for HIV. Conclusions HIV testing rate is high among Serbian MSM if they have adequate knowledge of where VCT services can be obtained. However, even though community-based VCT among MSM is subsidized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia, the effective use of the VCT services is very low among high-risk MSM. This suggests that VCT service promotion must be transformed to be both visible and culturally sensitive to the Serbian MSM community. VCT protocols should also encourage regular testing (at least every 6 months) for those most at risk for HIV acquisition.

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.

Implementation Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Service at Public Health Facilities of Akaki Kality Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is widely acknowledged globally as an effective method for preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. It allows people to understand their HIV status, make informed choices about getting tested for it, evaluate their personal risk of contracting HIV, and create plans to reduce that risk. The study aimed to evaluate the process of VCT services in public health facilities of Akaki Kality sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A case study evaluation design with a mixed method was employed from May 12 to June 12, 2021. A total of 244 clients were interviewed during the study period. Furthermore, 12 direct observations, a review of documents from the past six months to the study period, and 12 key informant interviews were conducted. Quantitative data were entered into Epi data 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Univariate analysis was done and presented in tables and texts. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The overall service implementation process was measured on the basis of pre-determined judgmental criteria. The overall level of VCT service implementation was 83.84%, to which the availability of resources (84.8%), compliance of service providers with the national guidelines (85.38%), and client satisfaction (76.93%) contributed. One facility had stock-outs of test kits in the last three months, and all VCT counseling and testing rooms lacked audio-visual privacy. Supportive supervision, the use of IEC materials during counseling, linking all HIV-positive clients to treatment and care services, and sending complete reports were practiced in a way that needs some improvement. Overall, the service implementation was deemed satisfactory, but further action is required to improve resource availability, ensure provider compliance with national guidelines, and enhance the status of the service. In addition, the Woreda Health Office and Addis Abeba Health Bureau should regularly supervise and provide feedback.

Uptake of HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing and Associated Factors among Students in the Higher Institutions of Learning in Kigali, Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundHIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health challenge with youth bearing the brunt of the burden. One essential method for preventing and accessing AIDS care is through Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Regardless of this, youth population continues to have low utilization of VCT services.ObjectiveTo assess the uptake of HIV VCT services and associated factors among university students in Kigali.MethodsA cross-sectional study among 374 students recruited using stratified sampling was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent factors associated with VCT uptake.ResultsThe prevalence of VCT uptake was 59.9%. The logistic regression revealed that being Catholic (AOR = 11.99, 95%CI: 5.44-26.41) and Moslem (AOR = 37.34, 95%CI: 2.67-128.36) compared to Protestant, as well as availability of VCT services (AOR = 5.15, 95%CI: 3.11 - 8.541) favored the use VCT. On the other hand, being aged 20 to 24 years (AOR = 0.112, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.29) had low likelihood of using VCT than those more than 24 years of age.ConclusionVCT uptake was significantly positively associated with religion and VCT services availability, and negatively associated with age 20-24 years in the campus. Therefore, targeted actions of disseminating information on benefits of VCT and enhancing accessibility of VCT services among students are necessary for the increased VCT uptake to be attained.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(2):104-112

FACTORS INFLUENCING HIV/AIDS PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMONG INJECTING DRUG USERS IN MAKASSAR CITY

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a serious infection that attacks the body's immune system, and its means of transmission include the use of injecting drugs. Effective preventive measures are crucial for reducing the prevalence of HIV in society. Therefore, this study aims to determine the factors influencing HIV/AIDS preventive measures among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Makassar City. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and 124 IDUs were enrolled as participants through an accidental sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed with chi-square bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. The results showed knowledge (p-value = 0.005), attitude (p-value = 0.013), peer influence (p-value = 0.004), support from health workers and NGOs (p-value = 0.029), availability of sterile injecting equipment services (p-value = 0.029), and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services were significantly correlated with the preventive measures among IDUs in Makassar city (p-value &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, VCT services were found to be the most influential factor in HIV/AIDS preventive measures (OR = 6.369; 95%CI = 2.181-18.597; p-value = 0.001). In conclusion, knowledge, attitudes, peer influence, support from health workers and NGOs, the availability of sterile injecting equipment services, and VCT services have a relationship with HIV/AIDS preventive measures among IDUs. Participants who engaged in VCT are advised to disseminate information about HIV and the associated services to their partners and communities.

Study on Factors Related to HIV Among Women in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Background According to national data, West Kalimantan is one of the ten top provinces that reported AIDS cases, ranked eighth. Until December 2019, based on data recorded in the Provincial Health Office that reported to the Indonesia Ministry of Health, the AIDS case rate in West Kalimantan was 49.35, showing over the national AIDS case rate (38.93). In this study, an unmatched case-control determines the factors associated with HIV/AIDS among women in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Methods The study was conducted among 90 women who tested positive for HIV/AIDS (cases) and 90 who tested negative for HIV/AIDS (controls). Data were collected using questionnaires from June 2019 to August 2019 at three community health centres in West Kalimantan. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) 19. Descriptive analyses and Multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to examine the factors associated with HIV/AIDS. Results: This study has found a significant association between crucial aspects such as marital status, occupation, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, HIV treatment, and VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) service program with cases of HIV/AIDS. A significant association between marital statuses with HIV/AIDS suggests that divorced/widowed have a higher risk of having HIV/AIDS, followed by the married group. Women with good educational backgrounds will likely know how to prevent HIV infection and take preventive measures to protect themselves. Results This study found a significant relationship between several important aspects such as marital status, occupation, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, HIV treatment, and the VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) service program with HIV/AIDS cases. The significant relationship between marital status and HIV/AIDS shows that divorced/widows have a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, followed by the married group. Women with a good educational background tend to know about HIV infection prevention measures and take precautions to protect themselves. Conclusions Some factors are significantly related to HIV/AIDS. Thus, educating women about sex could potentially decrease the number of HIV/AIDS cases.

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.

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.

HUBUNGAN MUTU PELAYANAN VCT DENGAN KEPUASAN PASIEN DI PUSKESMAS SIDOMULYO KOTA PEKANBARU

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a process of voluntary counseling and HIV testing on the initiative of the individual concerned. VCT as the main step taken in several Puskesmas in Pekanbaru on prevention, care, support and treatment services. This study aims to determine the relationship between the quality of VCT services and patient satisfaction at the Sidomulyo Public Health Center, Pekanbaru City. This study used a descriptive correlation research design with a cross sectional approach. The sample in this study were 67 respondents using total sampling technique. The data collection tool used was a questionnaire. Analysis of the data used were univariate and bivariate analysis (chi square). Majority of respondents feel that the quality of service is good, which was 37 people (55,2%) and the level of satisfaction of patients who feel satisfied was 35 people (52,2%). The results of the chi square test showed that there was a relationship between the quality of VCT services and patient satisfaction at the Sidomulyo Public Health Center, Pekanbaru City with p value (0.000) &lt; alpha (0,05). There is a relationship between the quality of VCT services and patient satisfaction at the Sidomulyo Public Health Center, Pekanbaru City.

Knowledge and reliance on the availability of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services relating to the utilization of VCT services by the Man who has Sex with Man community

Introduction: Southeast Asia is the second continent that has a higher population of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Indonesia needs to be vigilant to prevent the spreading and transmission of this virus. One of the services provided by the government for the initial screening of HIV/ AIDS is Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT). This research aimed to identify the behavior factors related to the utilization of VCT services by the Man who has Sex with Man (MSM) community.

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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.

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.

Digital technology and HIV, HCV and STI voluntary counselling and testing: good practice example from Croatia.

The aim of this paper is to introduce the digitalization process and its effects on better reach of the target population. Progress in the digitalization and e-health tools worldwide enables new opportunities in prevention, diagnostics and treatment for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people in the risk of HIV infection, hepatitis C (HCV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The system already used for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) at the CheckPoint Centre Zagreb run by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Croatian Association for HIV and Viral Hepatitis (CAHIV) was upgraded and adapted (due to the COVID-19 prevention epidemiological measures) and developed for implementation of the pilot project of feasibility and acceptability of home HIV self-testing (HIVST) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Zagreb. A special feature of the HIVST mobile application enables an innovative approach in collecting clients' test result feedback. This paper presents the method of use digitalization of the VCT and HIVST activities to support and increase availability of screening testing. Described procedures of new technologies application in VCT services and preliminary results of the HIVST pilot project indicate that technology-delivered interventions can contribute and improve access and utilisation of HIV/STI prevention and care services.

Effect of behavioral intervention based on social media to promote HIV/syphilis testing in young men who have sex with men

Objective: To evaluate the effect of social media based behavioral intervention on promoting joint testing of HIV and syphilis in young men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: After the recruitment, the participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided (1∶1) into two groups, i.e. social media intervention group and control group. The control group was given routine voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services. The intervention group was also given VCT services, besides; the comprehensive strategies through social media, including regular health education message and testing information sending, were given to them to strengthen the behavioral intervention. Follow up was conducted for the participants for 12 months after the intervention. The number and the proportion of young MSM receiving HIV and syphilis testing, and the reported proportion of the young MSM with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) symptoms between the intervention group and the control group were compared to evaluate the effect of the intervention. Results: A total of 315 young MSM were recruited (158 in the intervention group and 157 in the control group), in whom 248 young MSM completed the follow up. The follow-up rate was 78.7%. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the intervention group and the control group (all P>0.05). The proportion of young MSM receiving more than one joint testing in the intervention group was slightly higher than that in the control group (53.2% vs. 48.4%, rate difference (RD): 4.8%, 95%CI: -7.5%-17.0%, P=0.448) without significant difference. However, in the young MSM who used condoms in the last anal sex, the proportion of those receiving more than one joint testing in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group (63.8% vs. 46.1%, RD: 17.7%, 95%CI: 1.5%-32.6%, P=0.035). In addition, the reported proportion of young MSM with STD symptoms in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (6.3% vs. 18.0%,RD: -11.7%, 95%CI: -20.6%- -3.0%, P=0.005). Conclusion: Compared with routine VCT, social media based behavioral intervention might promote joint HIV and syphilis testing in the young MSM who used condom in the study. It could significantly reduce the reporting proportion of STD symptoms, suggesting that this method can promote the AIDS and STD prevention related behaviors in young MSM.