A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS VOLUNTARY COUNSELING AND TESTING FOR HIV/AIDS AMONG YOUTH AT BUSOTA HEALTH CENTRE III KAMULI DISTRICT.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70659/gjhib.v2i1.16Keywords:
Knowledge and Attitude, Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT), HIV/AIDS transmission, Busota Health Centre IIIAbstract
Background
Globally, more than half of the population knew their HIV status in 2022. The remaining did not know they had HIV and still needed access to HIV testing, which is an essential gateway to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude towards Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV/AIDs among youth at Busota Health Centre III Kamuli District.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, and data was collected on a sample of 60 respondents. The respondents were selected by using the purposive sampling method as a sampling technique and a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions written in English as a data collection tool. Data was analyzed manually using tally sheets and entered into the computer using the Microsoft Excel computer program illustrated using graphs and figures for quantitative data.
Result
The majority (60%) of the respondents were females, (50%) of the respondents were aged (22-25) years. (90%) of the respondents had ever heard about voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS, (85%) of the respondents knew having unprotected sex mode of HIV/AIDS transmission, and (66.7%) knew of a health facility as the place where VCT could be sought. (90%) of the respondents were willing to go for HIV testing in the future, (80%) of the respondents preferred to do the HIV/AIDS testing from the Hospital, (87%) of the respondents perceived knowing one’s HIV/AIDS status as very important and (95%) agreed that VCT should be confidential.
Conclusion
Generally, the overall knowledge was good, with most respondents having an agreeable attitude.
Recommendations
The administration of Busota Health Center III should put more effort into community enlightenment about HIV/AIDS, its transmission, and educating the youth, thus minimizing stigma.
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