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

Abstract

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.