HIV voluntary counselling and testing in Nakuru, Kenya: findings from a community survey.
OBJECTIVE
HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is important for prevention, detection and treatment of HIV infection. A study was conducted to determine the extent of utilization of VCT, and to study the attitudes and preferences of the community regarding VCT.


METHODS
A total of 301 adults, aged 18-49 years, residing in Nakuru, Kenya were randomly selected using a two-stage sampling process. A self-administered questionnaire delivered during home visits was used to collect data over a 4-week period.


RESULTS
The majority of study participants (184 of 287; 64.1%) had never been tested for HIV; 77 (26.8%) had received VCT, and 26 (9.1%) had received HIV testing without counselling. A total of 219 (78.2%) of the 280 responding participants expressed readiness to have VCT. The majority of participants (216 of 296; 73%) preferred VCT, while 46 (15.5%) preferred testing without counselling. The majority (227; 76.7%) preferred couple testing and dedicated clinics and private doctors' offices as testing facilities. The choice of a nearby facility was ranked above the provision of anonymity by most participants (162 of 298; 54.4%; vice versa for 136 of 298; 45.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
With HIV/AIDS continuing to be a major public health concern in Kenya, the issues surrounding acceptance and use of VCT need to be addressed. Enhancing community awareness of the benefits of early HIV diagnosis, providing couple-based VCT as an integral part of VCT and increasing access to VCT testing sites may enhance utilization of VCT.
Irungu
T K
TK
Division of Preventive, Occupational and Aerospace Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Varkey
P
P
Cha
S
S
Patterson
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012423:Rural Health; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014504:Urban Health