title: "To know or not to know": service-related barriers to voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) in South Africa.
abstract: Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT) is still in its infancy in South Africa, and although the necessary infrastructure in terms of clinics and hospitals exists, a VCT culture is not yet established in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the needs, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of South Africans towards VCT, and to investigate possible barriers affecting participation in VCT programs in South Africa. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey the views of 1422 people. Results indicate that while subjects were not opposed to VCT in principle, 33% would go to clinics where nobody would know them. The following problems with VCT services were mentioned: Logistical problems (not enough counsellors, long lines, lack of privacy); no trust in the health care system or fearing a breach of confidentiality; fear of rejection; and a lack of follow-up support after diagnosis. Suggestions are made on how to improve VCT services in South Africa.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003219:Confidentiality; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology; D013019:South Africa; D035141:Voluntary Programs