Determinants in HIV counselling and testing in couples in North Rift Kenya.
BACKGROUND
Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) has been shown to be an acceptable and effective tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Couple HIV Counselling and Testing (CHCT) however, is a relatively new concept whose acceptance and efficacy is yet to be determined.


OBJECTIVE
To describe factors that motivate couples to attend VCT as a couple.


METHODS
A cross sectional qualitative study.


METHODS
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Moi University, School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya


METHODS
Seventy one individuals were interviewed during KII (9) and dyad interviews (31 couples). Ten FGDs involving a total of 109 individuals were held.


RESULTS
Cultural practices, lack of CHCT awareness, stigma and fear of results deter CHCT utilisation. Location of centre where it is unlikely to be associated with HIV testing, qualified professional staff and minimal waiting times would enhance CHCT utilisation.


CONCLUSIONS
CHCT as a tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS in this region of Kenya is feasible as the factors that would deter couples are not insurmountable.
Ayuo
P O
PO
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Moi University, P. O. Box 4606 -30100, Eldoret, Kenya.
Were
E
E
Wools-Kaloustian
K
K
Baliddawa
J
J
Sidle
J
J
Fife
K
K
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D015497:HIV-1; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011315:Preventive Medicine; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors