title: Predictors of couple HIV counseling and testing among adult residents of Bukomero sub-county, Kiboga district, rural Uganda.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies have shown that couple HIV counseling and testing (CHCT) increased rates of sero-status disclosure and adoption of safer sexual behaviors with better linkage to treatment and care. However, current evidence suggests that new HIV infections are occurring among heterosexual couples in stable relationships where the majority of the individuals are not aware of their partner's serostatus. This study examined the predictors of CHCT uptake among married or cohabiting couples of Bukomero sub-county Kiboga district in Uganda.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 323 individuals who were either married or cohabiting, aged 18-49 years. Participants were enrolled from randomly selected households in Bukomero sub-county. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographics, self-rating on awareness of CHCT benefits, couple discussion about HIV testing and CHCT practices. Couples were compared between those who had reported to have tested as a couple and those who had not. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio [aOR] and 95 % confidence intervals [CI] for CHCT uptake and the other independent variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the participants 288 (89.2 %) reported to have ever taken an HIV test only 99 (34.4 %) did so as a couple. The predictors of testing for HIV as a couple were discussing CHCT with the partner (adjusted odds ratio 4.95[aOR], 95 % confidence interval [CI]:1.99-12.98; p < 0.001), awareness of CHCT benefits (aOR 3.23; 95 % CI 1.78-5.87; p < 0.001) and having time to test as a couple (aOR 2.61; 95 % CI 1.22-5.61; p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Uptake of HIV counseling and testing among couples was low. Discussing CHCT with partner, awareness of CHCT benefits, and availability of time to test as a couple were predictive of CHCT uptake. Thus CHCT campaigns should emphasize communication and discussion of HIV counseling and testing among partners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. r.muhindo@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Muhindo
authors.affiliation: Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. nakspatience@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Annet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nakalega
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. joynankumbi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nankumbi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D003142:Communication; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D030881:Disclosure; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012424:Rural Population; D021841:Safe Sex; D012698:Serologic Tests; D012747:Sexual Partners; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult