Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT): Knowledge, attitudes, hinderances, and practices of adults seeking treatment at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital on the spread of HIV in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Assumpta Aduk ◽  
Isaac Malon Atama ◽  
Leonard Dayo ◽  
Cissy Namujuzi Kizza ◽  
Brian Musinguzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Regional Referral Hospital ◽  
Hiv Counseling And Testing ◽  
Hiv Counseling ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
Gulu District ◽  
Positive Results

Abstract Background: In 2011, Uganda had a national HIV prevalence of 6.7%. Between 2008 and 2009, there was an upsurge in HIV in Gulu District from 9.4% to 16.0% with Gulu Municipality at 22.1%. Similarly, in 2020, the prevalence of HIV in Gulu District persistently remained high at 14.0%, much higher than the national average at 6.0%.The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, hindrances, and practices on voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) and determine factors associated with VCT practices among adults seeking treatment at the outpatient department of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 participants. Simple random sampling was used to recruit participants. Knowledge and practices on VCT were determined using knowledge ratings and attitudes using a modified Likert scale. A questionnaire with an internal validity of Cronbach’s α=0.71 was used. Ethical approval was obtained, and SPSS was used for data analysis at univariate, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The most significant findings were that knowledge and attitude significantly affect VCT practices among adults in Gulu Hospital. Most participants had adequate knowledge (297/379, 78.4%), the most common source of VCT information was radio (236/372, 63.4%) and few from parents (30/372, 8.1%). 158/380(41.6%) had strongly positive attitudes however, 4/10(40.0%) believed knowing HIV status was not beneficial because of fear of stigma, 299/380(78.7%) had good practices,13/45(28.9%) did not undertake VCT due to ignorant on the importance, 9/45(20.0%) feared positive results, and 5/45(11.0%) for far-off service centers. Among those who discouraged others, 15/45 (83.0%) did it for no reason, while 2/45 (11.0%) believed it was a risky and painful process.Knowledge and attitude on VCT practices had an adjusted R square of 0.421, p<0.001. The independent predictors of VCT practices in a multivariable regression analysis was knowledge (β=0.478, t=10.374, p<0.001) and attitudes (β=0.257, t=5.570, p<0.001).Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes significantly influenced VCT practices among adults attending outpatient services at Gulu Hospital. The independent determinants of VCT practices were knowledge and attitudes. However, HIV stigma, fear of positive results and divorce/separation were the most deterring factors on VCT practices among participants.

scholarly journals Inequities in the utilization of HIV counseling and testing services among undergraduates in mainland China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihong Zhan ◽  
Guochen Fu ◽  
Lei Wu ◽  
Mingliang Pan ◽  
Yuli Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Counseling And Testing ◽  
Hiv Counseling ◽  
Counseling And Testing

Abstract Background HIV counseling and testing (HCT) is provided free of charge on college campuses, but very few studies have examined whether HCT uptake is equitably distributed. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the relative importance of various determinants of HCT uptake among undergraduates in mainland China so as to assess and subsequently to suggest ways to eliminate inequities in its use, guided by the Andersen’s behavioral model. Methods A total of 10,665 eligible undergraduates were conveniently selected to complete an online survey. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with HCT utilization. Results Only 7.7% of undergraduates had utilized HCT services. HCT uptake was inequitably distributed, since it was mainly determined by predisposing and enabling factors rather than by need factors. Further analysis indicated that HCT uptake was significantly related to two need factors, one enabling factor and six predisposing factors. Those with a higher need [i.e., perceiving themselves to be at higher risk of acquiring HIV infection (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI:2.02–3.78) and engaging in condomless sex (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI:1.00–1.67)] and those with more resources [i.e., being knowledgeable of local AIDS service organization (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI:1.37–1.85)] were more likely to utilize HCT services. Compared to non-heterosexual men, non-heterosexual women (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI:0.37–0.72), heterosexual men (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI:0.33–0.57) and women (AOR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.24–0.41) were less likely to utilize HCT service. Furthermore, those with more knowledge (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI:0.69–0.94) and taking a positive attitude towards HCT services [i.e, expressing their willingness to utilize HCT services (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI:0.56–0.81) and having recognized the necessity to provide HTC services in the local university (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI:0.36–0.57)] were less likely to utilize HCT services. However, medical students (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.15–1.56) and non-freshmen (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.03–1.45) were more likely to utilize HCT services. Conclusions To increase HCT uptake and simultaneously reduce the remaining inequities, a comprehensive intervention should be continued to target non-heterosexual men and non- freshmen and those with a higher need for HCT services, conduct health education, improve the availability and accessibility of HIV testing services.

scholarly journals Skin cancer knowledge and attitudes in the region of Fez, Morocco: a cross-sectional study

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Awatef kelati ◽  
Hanane Baybay ◽  
Mariam Atassi ◽  
Samira Elfakir ◽  
Salim Gallouj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cancer Knowledge ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes

scholarly journals Prostate cancer awareness and attitude toward early detection among male soldiers in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Gyasi Necku ◽  
Emmanuel Anongeba Anaba ◽  
Aaron Asibi Abuosi
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PC) is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Ghana. This poses a public health threat, especially among the Ghana Armed Force (GAF) where the majority are males. This study aimed to assess male soldiers’ awareness, knowledge and attitudes toward early detection of prostate cancer. Results It was found that 58.3% of the soldiers were less aware of PC and 76.0% had low or neutral knowledge regarding risk factors and symptoms of PC. The soldiers had positive attitudes toward early detection but had low intentions of getting tested. Awareness was significantly associated with education, rank, haven received PC information from a health worker and being knowledgeable of signs of PC. Conclusion We recommend that management of the GAF should liaise with the Ministry of Health to sensitize and educate soldiers on prostate cancer, and if possible, organize periodic screening activities for the soldiers to aid in early detection and effective management of the disease. The findings of this study provide valuable information for health interventions in Ghana.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitudes of nursing professors and students concerning the interface between spirituality, religiosity and health

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1205-1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia de Souza Tomasso ◽  
Ideraldo Luiz Beltrame ◽  
Giancarlo Lucchetti
Keyword(s):  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Religious Practices ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
The University ◽  
Common Barriers

This study compares the knowledge and attitudes of nursing professors and students concerning the interface between spirituality, religiosity and health. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 nursing professors and 118 students. The results reveal that more than 95% of the participants had some religious affiliation, 96% believed that spirituality considerably influences patients' health, and 77% wished to address this subject. However, only 36% felt prepared for it and most believed that the university did not provide the necessary information. No statistical differences were found between the religious practices of nursing professors and students, though a marked difference was found in their clinical practices and opinions concerning spirituality and its inclusion in the program's curriculum. The most common barriers to addressing such a subject were: fear of imposing one's own beliefs, lack of time, and fear of offending patients.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding the self-use of pain medications in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
pp. 0
Author(s):  
MawadahM Magadmi ◽  
RaniaM Magadmi ◽  
FatemahO Kamel ◽  
MagdaM Hagras ◽  
HwraaI Alhmied ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Pain Medications

Willingness of antenatal care attendees towards voluntary HIV counseling and testing, Southern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 104-112
Author(s):  
Sintayehu Assefa ◽  
Dubale Dulla
Keyword(s):  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Hiv Counseling And Testing ◽  
Hiv Counseling ◽  
Counseling And Testing

Background: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is an entry point for the prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child and accessing VCT benefit from PMTCT services. Even though, some pregnant women clearly know the benefits /advantages of PMTCT services, they are not willing to test and access the services. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the willingness of pregnant women attending antenatal care towards VCT/PMTCT at Adare general hospital in southern Ethiopia. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Adare hospital, southern Ethiopia from February to April/2018. A total of 338 randomly selected pregnant women who were attending antenatal care clinic were included. Data was collected using structured and pretested questionnaire; entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 computer software. Important descriptive and logistic models were used for data analysis assuming statistical significance at p < 0.05. Result: A total of 338 mothers were interviewed with a response rate of 100%. The willingness towards voluntary HIV counseling and testing among study participants was 82.2%. Participants who attended primary and High school and above were 3.9 (AOR= 3.87, 95% CI- 1.705, 8.782) and 9.5 times (AOR 9.53 at 95% CI- 3.155, 28.76); those who had good knowledge about VCT/PMTCT were 3.47 times (AOR=3.47, 95% CI-1.721, 7.003); women who followed two to three ANC visit, were 5.1 times more likely have willingness towards VCT/PMTCT (AOR 5.11 at 95% CI -1.095, 23.81) more likely willing to be tested than their counterparts respectively. Conclusion: Willingness towards voluntary HIV counseling was encouraging however it needs advancement. Since boosted knowledge and awareness promote willingness to VCT/PMTCT uptakes, initiation of community-based information dissemination, increased quality of ANC service, and empowering women to be educated could be effective in order to promote high VCT and PMTCT program uptakes

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