Henry Tumwebaze
Country: Uganda
Background:
Research Project: Perceptions and Attitudes towards home based voluntary HIV counselling and testing (HBVCT) in Bushenyi District - Uganda
BACKGROUND: Between 2004 and 2007 a universal access to HBVCT was implemented in Bushenyi district, Uganda however some individuals did not receive the service. This study seeks to explore community’s perceptions and attitudes towards such a HBVCT program by finding out why some individuals did not receive a HBVCT service.
METHODS: This was a quantitative community-based survey conducted using a questionnaire among 200 household members both who did and did not receive a HBVCT service 2004/07. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics, perceptions and attitudes towards a HBVCT and associated constraints in accessing a HBVCT. Respondents included those 18-59 years living in the two selected villages of kabwohe Town A, and karyango village in Bushenyi district and interviewers moved house to house.
RESULTS: Of the 200 respondents, 192 (96%) acknowledged that they had heard about it with 81(40.5%) through use of radio and 63(31.5%) use of community resource persons. 164(82%) said they felt very well with counsellors finding them at home
174(87.0%) were willing to take a test in home based counsellors came back. 181(90.5%) viewed/rated a HBVCT service as good plus mainly for its 3Cs - convenient, confidential and credibility. However absence from home and lack of information when counselors were coming to visit their homes, largely constrained (22.5%) and (15%) of the respondents respectively from accessing a HBVCT service.
CONCLUSION: The studies revealed that a clear majority of household members were aware of HBVCT and have favourable perceptions and attitudes towards the service. The identified constraints of absence and information gaps are seen as missed opportunities.
Community camping and integrating care and support services into a HBVCT, will work better while rolling out this program in other areas. It will also contribute to achieving a universal access to HBVCT and address the apparent constraints.
Key words; HIV/AIDS, HBVCT, Perceptions and attitudes, constraints and Uganda.