Willingness To Seek Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Voluntary Counselling And Testing (VCT) Among Urban Residents in Osogbo, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Objective: Sub-Saharan Africa is home to two-thirds of all people living with HIV/AIDS. Nigeria has the third highest population of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is rapidly becoming an important component of HIV/AIDS prevention and care strategy. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of HIV/AIDS and the factors that may affect willingness to seek VCT among residents of an urban community in Nigeria. Methodology:  A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Osogbo, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information from 332 residents. A multistage sampling technique was used for the selection of respondents. A total of 350 houses were selected from the 26 wards. Results: A high proportion (97.6%) of the respondents confirmed that they have heard of HIV/AIDS, 91.1% believed that AIDS is real. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS by the respondents was related to their level of educational attainment and their professions. Only 28.4% of the respondents are aware of VCT, but (66.9%) were willing to seek VCT services if the services are available; 66.7% confirmed that they would go ahead even if a fee is attached. However, 47.2% of those that think otherwise are scare of confidentiality, stigmatization and lack of fund. Willingness was also related to level of educational attainment, professionalism and age group. Conclusion: Programme managers should ensure that councillors have good knowledge on how to alleviate the fear of clients. Counselling should be the first step and if necessary test should follow.