KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND UPTAKE OF HIV VOLUNTARY COUNSELLING AND TESTING AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN OWERRI, IMO STATE

Kenechi A. Uwakwe*, Gift C. Uwakwe, Anthony C. Iwu, Chukwuma B. Duru, Chimnonso N. Nnebue, and Amobi L. Ilika

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescents and young people represent a rapidly growing share of people living with HIV worldwide and constitute a significant number of undergraduates in tertiary institutions who are vulnerable to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection; as their relative independence and lifestyle within these institutions predispose them to poor reproductive health choices and behaviours. And HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (HVCT), is critical in HIV prevention, identification and early linkage to treatment. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude towards and uptake of HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing among undergraduates of Imo State University. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using multi-stage sampling and 750 undergraduates were selected. A pretested semi structured self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was designed and used. Data was presented through frequency tables and charts, statistical inference was with chi-square at p < 0.05., and Odds ratio cum Confidence interval. Results: About 99% were aware of HVCT, and 58% had poor overall HVCT knowledge, about 80% had good overall attitude, while HVCT uptake rate was 33%. Confidential access would improve uptake, and knowledge of HVCT was significantly associated with its uptake (p = 0.000, OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.53 – 3.49). Conclusion: The knowledge and uptake of HVCT were poor in this study, it is recommended that interventions towards improving HVCT uptake should target increasing HVCT knowledge and providing confidential access among adolescents and young adults.

Keywords: HIV, VCT, uptake, Tertiary institution, Imo State, Nigeria.