Determinants of Voluntary HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing among University Students in Ghana
Moses Banyeh
*
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Thea Kankpi
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Kervin Edinam Zogli
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Seidu Mohammed
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The onset of the new global pandemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola may have shifted attention from factors affecting voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS, especially among university students. The study sought to determine the factors influencing VCT uptake among university students.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the University for Development Studies, from May to June 2020.
Methodology: The study population was 119 (males: 71.4% and females: 28.6%) aged between 20 to 45 years. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire.
Results: Males were less likely to obtain information regarding VCT from the hospital as compared to the media [OR: 0.193(95%CI: 0.041-0.914)]. A student who was informed regarding VCT [OR: 6.833(95%CI 1.258-37.119)], a student who knew where VCT services were provided [OR: 9.336(3.002-29.032)], a student who was willing to take an HIV test [OR: 4.400(1.515-12.777)] and a student who tested for HIV on campus [OR: 5.455(1.930-15.418)] had greater odds of VCT uptake. However, the odds that a student tested for HIV was less for other reasons either than medical [OR: 0.284(0.084-0.959)].
Conclusions: The findings of this study are useful for healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, policymakers and university management regarding HIV infection prevention and control among students.
Keywords: Voluntary counselling and testing, HIV/AIDS, university students, uptake, Ghana