RESEARCH PAPER
Understanding reasons for low HIV testing services uptake among tertiary students in university in South Africa
1
University of Venda, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa
Submission date: 2021-02-20
Final revision date: 2021-03-30
Acceptance date: 2021-04-27
Publication date: 2021-12-30
HIV & AIDS Review 2022;21(1):69-76
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
epidemiology - population studiespsychological aspects of HIV and AIDSsocio-medical aspects of HIV and AIDSeducational aspects of HIV and AIDSpatient-physician relationship
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The main entry point for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention, care, and treatment is through HIV testing services. Despite undeniable benefits and increased availability of HIV testing services, uptake remains low among students. The purpose of the study was to determine factors contributing to low HIV testing services uptake among tertiary students in a university in South Africa.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among tertiary students to determine factors contributing to low HIV testing services uptake. A total of 306 eligible students from the School of Health Sciences in a South African university were selected through a systematic random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Ethical considerations were ensured throughout the study.
Results:
Findings of the study showed that out of 306 respondents, 204 (67%) were females and 102 (33%) males. The majority (68%, n = 208) of the students were between the age of 18 and 24 years. About 135 (44%) respondents were tested for HIV as compared to 171 (56%) who were not tested. Respondents showed good knowledge about HIV testing services (HTS), and their attitude was positive. HIV and AIDS-related stigma, fear of potential HIV-positive results, and negative attitude of healthcare service providers were cited as contributory factors to low uptake of HTS.
Conclusions:
Despite the adequate knowledge about HTS and high awareness campaigns, HIV uptake of HTS remained low among the respondents. Therefore, the use of various forms of media, including campus radio and newsletters to promote uptake of HTS among university students is recommended.
The main entry point for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention, care, and treatment is through HIV testing services. Despite undeniable benefits and increased availability of HIV testing services, uptake remains low among students. The purpose of the study was to determine factors contributing to low HIV testing services uptake among tertiary students in a university in South Africa.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among tertiary students to determine factors contributing to low HIV testing services uptake. A total of 306 eligible students from the School of Health Sciences in a South African university were selected through a systematic random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Ethical considerations were ensured throughout the study.
Results:
Findings of the study showed that out of 306 respondents, 204 (67%) were females and 102 (33%) males. The majority (68%, n = 208) of the students were between the age of 18 and 24 years. About 135 (44%) respondents were tested for HIV as compared to 171 (56%) who were not tested. Respondents showed good knowledge about HIV testing services (HTS), and their attitude was positive. HIV and AIDS-related stigma, fear of potential HIV-positive results, and negative attitude of healthcare service providers were cited as contributory factors to low uptake of HTS.
Conclusions:
Despite the adequate knowledge about HTS and high awareness campaigns, HIV uptake of HTS remained low among the respondents. Therefore, the use of various forms of media, including campus radio and newsletters to promote uptake of HTS among university students is recommended.
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