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.
