Abstract:
Introduction
Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) play a crucial role in the control and management of the
HIV/AIDS epidemic. It is essential to understand the factors that influence the utilisation of VCT to
improve implementation of measures that encourage VCT uptake. The purpose of this study was to
determine factors affecting the utilisation of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services for
HIV/AIDS in Sowa, Botswana.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was carried out by collecting data from 71 randomly selected participants
residing in the community of Sowa, Botswana. Open and close ended questions were used. Relevant
demographic data were collected from each respondent. Univariate and multivariate analysis was
done using chi square test and logistic regression models through STATA11 statistical software.
Results
About half of the respondents were willing to utilise the VCT services. Willingness to utilise VCT was
significantly associated with the respondents' choice of VCT centres, worry about confidentiality at
VCT centres, and concern about their partners' being aware of their use of VCT. The expected
reactions of their partner, family and community to the use of VCT by the respondents, in addition to
the willingness of respondents to inform their partners the result of their HIV test, were other factors
associated with the use of VCT. Multivariate regression showed that being "not worried" (AOR 33.48;
95CI 5.63 - 199.15) about confidentiality at VCT centres predicted the willingness to use VCT. In
addition, not worried that their partners were aware they had utilised VCT (AOR 7.25; 95CI 1.69-
31.14), and readiness to inform their partners about the result of their HIV test (AOR 14.96; 95CI 3.74-
59.85), predicted the willingness of respondents to utilise VCT. Similarly, the expectation of a happy reaction from partner (AOR 47.02; 95CI 3.83- 577.11) and family (AOR 45.13 95CI 3.28-620.72) on
being aware the respondent had used VCT, also predicted willingness to use VCT.
Conclusion
This study confirmed that stigma related to VCT use and confidentiality at VCT centres influence the
utilisation of VCT services. Also, concern about partner's awareness that a respondent had used VCT
and the expected response of partner, family, and community, were all important influencing factors
to the utilisation of voluntary counseling and HIV testing services. These issues need to be addressed
in order to increase VCT uptake among individuals and the community.
