Research
Determinants of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing among Addis Ababa University Students, Ethiopia
Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV is included as one of the strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention in HIV/AIDS policy, yet very little is known about what determines VCT services. This study attempts to identify determinants of Voluntary HIV counseling and testing among Addis Ababa University undergraduate students, Ethiopia. The study design was cross-sectional, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. By using multi-stage sampling technique comprising a total of 860 students were selected. Quantitative data were collected through self administered questionnaire and focus group discussions were also conducted to generate the qualitative data required to substantiate the statistical finding. The collected data were edited, entered and cleaned with SPSS Version 20 software and the data were summarized, analyzed and organized by univariate, bivariate and multivariate (binary logistic regression model) statistical technique. The findings of the study revealed that the prevalence of HIV testing was found to be 39.7% and the major finding in logistic regression model showed that marital status, childhood place of residence, life time sexual partner, perceived confidentiality of VCT service, willingness to take VCT before marriage, stigma and discrimination and attitude towards VCT were found the key determinants of practicing VCT. Finally, based on the key findings of the study, some plausible recommendations were given which includes information, education and communication program and awareness raising with regard to HIV/AIDS and gradual scaling up of VCT service, encouraging marriage and reduce stigma and discrimination should be strengthened.
Health Facilities Distribution Mapping in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have been used widely in many countries to map health-related events and the results are used for planning of health services and in assessing clusters of health facilities. This project demonstrates the application of GIS in the mapping of health facilities in Addis Ababa particularly Gulele sub-city; the ArcGIS 9.3 software was used to map and evaluate the spatial clustering of health facilities in the study area. The study was conducted using primary and secondary data collected from various areas with GPS technology. The results suggest that new health facilities should be built in the woredas of Gulele sub-city. The method of analysis employed point pattern analysis used to evaluate the physical distribution of point events and test whether there is a significant clustering of points in a particular area and also ratio. The project has been developed for all participating service agencies to give an overview ‘map’ of the health service sector. The project is designed to assist the participating health services in developing a good understanding of the community in the recovery context, enabling strategic planning and coordination of services to the increased need of the population of the subcity in the area of health facilities.
