Comparison of Ultrabio HIV DNA PCR and Gag Real-Time PCR Assays for Total Hiv...CrimsonpublishersCJMI
Comparison of Ultrabio HIV DNA PCR and Gag Real-Time PCR Assays for Total Hiv-1 DNA Quantification by Tuofu Zhu in Cohesive Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Disease
This study examined the relationship between knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention and HIV counselling and testing uptake among young people in Nigeria. The study is a quantitative research guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The target population comprised young people in Nigeria ages 15 to 24 years because the focus of this study was to identify the factors affecting HCT uptake among young people in this age cohort. The representative sample was obtained from the updated master sample frame of rural and urban zones developed by the National Population Commission in Nigeria. This master sample frame was a national survey that comprises all 36 states in Nigeria [2]. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192; urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The individual questionnaires asked about household characteristics, background characteristics of the respondents. Data were analyzed by inputing them into SPSS v21.0 for analysis [4] and then coded them for each participant. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages; measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric test such as chi-square was used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. Results of data analysis indicated that the cognitive factors of knowledge of HIV prevention and knowledge of HIV transmission were statistically significant predictors of the likelihood of having HCT uptake. It was among others recommended that stakeholders, authorities, and providers of health services in Nigeria should strive to increase the rate of HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years.
Over the past decade, Kenya has made tremendous efforts to enhance maternal and child health. Secure maternity policies such as free maternity care are one of the initiatives that have enhanced maternal and child health in all public health facilities. Despite these attempts, public health facilities for maternal and child health are still underused. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study design to identify determinants of free maternal health services by evaluating factors determining perceptions and health-seeking behavior of 384 pregnant mothers in Malava Sub-County, Kakamega County. The study used a mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative approaches). Questionnaires were administered to pregnant mothers selected for the study. The study employed a purposive sampling of research participants. Quantitative data were collected using the questionnaire administered by the research assistants whereas qualitative data were collected by the researcher through interview schedules. Quantitative data analysis was carried out using SPSS 23. However, qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Quantitative data representation was done in terms of frequency and percentages. Analysis of chi-square testing was used to assess the association between the variables of socio-economic and health facilities and the provision of free maternity facilities (p<0.05). The study established that the uptake of free maternal service by pregnant mothers was influenced by their level of primitivism and religious beliefs. In addition, this study found out that 53.8% and 77.7% of the pregnant mothers could not attend antenatal and post-natal care because government facilities were located far away from their residences and they also had less access to some information about free maternal health care. The results of this research would be disseminated to the hospital management team, Sub-Country health management team, County health management team, and other stakeholders, thereby demonstrating reasons for low uptake of free maternity services and helping to strategize for better service delivery. Based on the finding, the study recommends that to improve access to free maternal health care, the county government ought to place health services as close as possible to the community where people live. Secondly, there is a need to embrace the usage of the existing media network to sensitize pregnant mothers to the danger signs and the need to have decision-making powers over their safety. Lastly, hospital management ought to increase the awareness of free maternal health care and to include it among the community priorities during dialog days, action days, and other group discussions.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS COUNSELLING AND TESTING ...Razak Mohammed Gyasi
Since 2003, the HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been identified as one of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care programmes in Ghana. However, utilization of this service is low among Ghanaian youth. This study examined predictors associated with VCT utilization among youth in Ghana. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative data in a cross-sectional survey in three sub-metropolitan areas in Kumasi. Using a multi-variate regression, evidence from 120 respondents showed potential factors associated with VCT utilization. The qualitative data were subjected to a content analysis through direct quotes. The results suggest that less than 30% of the youth had ever tested for HIV through VC. Women were more likely to avail themselves for counselling testing than men. Psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the seropositive, lack of confidentiality, proximity to VCT sites, HIV-related stigma inter alia, were found to be strongly associated with HIV VCT in the study prefecture. VCT utilization among the youth in Ghana was low and affected by HIV/AIDS-related stigma and residence. In order to increase VCT acceptability, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in the country should focus on reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Madridge Journal of AIDS (ISSN: 2638-1958); Haiti is one of the most severely resource-constrained countries in the Americas, experiencing high rates of HIV. Access to HIV care is the paramount barrier with a paucity of specialized care providers throughout the very rural country.
Comparison of Ultrabio HIV DNA PCR and Gag Real-Time PCR Assays for Total Hiv...CrimsonpublishersCJMI
Comparison of Ultrabio HIV DNA PCR and Gag Real-Time PCR Assays for Total Hiv-1 DNA Quantification by Tuofu Zhu in Cohesive Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Disease
This study examined the relationship between knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention and HIV counselling and testing uptake among young people in Nigeria. The study is a quantitative research guided by one research question and one hypothesis. The target population comprised young people in Nigeria ages 15 to 24 years because the focus of this study was to identify the factors affecting HCT uptake among young people in this age cohort. The representative sample was obtained from the updated master sample frame of rural and urban zones developed by the National Population Commission in Nigeria. This master sample frame was a national survey that comprises all 36 states in Nigeria [2]. Probability sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10091 respondents (ages 15 to 24 years) for the study. The multistage cluster sampling was used to select suitable young people with known probability. Data were collected throughout Nigeria between September and December 2012 from 32,543 households (rural = 22,192; urban = 10,351) using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The individual questionnaires asked about household characteristics, background characteristics of the respondents. Data were analyzed by inputing them into SPSS v21.0 for analysis [4] and then coded them for each participant. The data were summed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages; measures of central tendencies were used to answer the research question while nonparametric test such as chi-square was used to analyze non-normally distributed data at 0.5 level of significance. Results of data analysis indicated that the cognitive factors of knowledge of HIV prevention and knowledge of HIV transmission were statistically significant predictors of the likelihood of having HCT uptake. It was among others recommended that stakeholders, authorities, and providers of health services in Nigeria should strive to increase the rate of HCT uptake among young people ages 15 to 24 years.
Over the past decade, Kenya has made tremendous efforts to enhance maternal and child health. Secure maternity policies such as free maternity care are one of the initiatives that have enhanced maternal and child health in all public health facilities. Despite these attempts, public health facilities for maternal and child health are still underused. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive study design to identify determinants of free maternal health services by evaluating factors determining perceptions and health-seeking behavior of 384 pregnant mothers in Malava Sub-County, Kakamega County. The study used a mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative approaches). Questionnaires were administered to pregnant mothers selected for the study. The study employed a purposive sampling of research participants. Quantitative data were collected using the questionnaire administered by the research assistants whereas qualitative data were collected by the researcher through interview schedules. Quantitative data analysis was carried out using SPSS 23. However, qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Quantitative data representation was done in terms of frequency and percentages. Analysis of chi-square testing was used to assess the association between the variables of socio-economic and health facilities and the provision of free maternity facilities (p<0.05). The study established that the uptake of free maternal service by pregnant mothers was influenced by their level of primitivism and religious beliefs. In addition, this study found out that 53.8% and 77.7% of the pregnant mothers could not attend antenatal and post-natal care because government facilities were located far away from their residences and they also had less access to some information about free maternal health care. The results of this research would be disseminated to the hospital management team, Sub-Country health management team, County health management team, and other stakeholders, thereby demonstrating reasons for low uptake of free maternity services and helping to strategize for better service delivery. Based on the finding, the study recommends that to improve access to free maternal health care, the county government ought to place health services as close as possible to the community where people live. Secondly, there is a need to embrace the usage of the existing media network to sensitize pregnant mothers to the danger signs and the need to have decision-making powers over their safety. Lastly, hospital management ought to increase the awareness of free maternal health care and to include it among the community priorities during dialog days, action days, and other group discussions.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS COUNSELLING AND TESTING ...Razak Mohammed Gyasi
Since 2003, the HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been identified as one of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care programmes in Ghana. However, utilization of this service is low among Ghanaian youth. This study examined predictors associated with VCT utilization among youth in Ghana. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative data in a cross-sectional survey in three sub-metropolitan areas in Kumasi. Using a multi-variate regression, evidence from 120 respondents showed potential factors associated with VCT utilization. The qualitative data were subjected to a content analysis through direct quotes. The results suggest that less than 30% of the youth had ever tested for HIV through VC. Women were more likely to avail themselves for counselling testing than men. Psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the seropositive, lack of confidentiality, proximity to VCT sites, HIV-related stigma inter alia, were found to be strongly associated with HIV VCT in the study prefecture. VCT utilization among the youth in Ghana was low and affected by HIV/AIDS-related stigma and residence. In order to increase VCT acceptability, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in the country should focus on reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Madridge Journal of AIDS (ISSN: 2638-1958); Haiti is one of the most severely resource-constrained countries in the Americas, experiencing high rates of HIV. Access to HIV care is the paramount barrier with a paucity of specialized care providers throughout the very rural country.
Health System Factors Affecting Uptake of Antenatal Care by Women of Reproduc...Premier Publishers
This study sought to determine how health system factors affect antenatal care services uptake. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. The population under study was selected household members of the community, facility in charges as well as community own resource persons in Kisumu county. The study used purposive sampling method in selecting the Key Informants. A total sample size of 300 respondents were interviewed. The study used an interview and questionnaires to collect data. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyse data with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Chi-square analysis showed that distance to facility (p=0.043), waiting time (p=0.012), means of transport used (p=0.016), perceived quality of services (p=0.000) and perceived attitude of service provider (p=0.000) were significant as pertains to number of ANC visits. The study concluded that health system factors affect uptake of ANC. Specifically, lack long distance to hospital, long waiting time, poor quality of services, commodity stock outs and poor attitude of staff. The combination of these factors reduced uptake of ANC. The study recommended integration of traditional birth attendants, community health workers and health care workers services, regular ANC Outreaches and better equipping of rural health facilities.
Factors Associated With Internet Use among Primary Care Patients in Makurdi, ...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences is one of the speciality Journal in Dental Science and Medical Science published by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The Journal publishes papers of the highest scientific merit and widest possible scope work in all areas related to medical and dental science. The Journal welcome review articles, leading medical and clinical research articles, technical notes, case reports and others.
Background: Incidence and prevalence of reproductive health difficulties have been shown to be higher among younger people. In Ghana, youthfriendly sexual and reproductive health services and facilities are very limited. The study aimed at examining the friendliness of sexual and reproductive health service delivery and utilization.
Methods: Across sectional design with both qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted to examine the friendliness and utilization of reproductive health services among youth in the Kwadaso Sub-Metro of Ashanti Region, Ghana. A multistage stratified sampling was used to enroll 170 youth (150 in-school and 20 out of school youth) aged 10 - 24years. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics using SPSS software version 20.
Results: Findings demonstrated that out of the 150 in-school youth sampled, 56% ever had a boyfriend or girlfriend, however, about one third(39.3%) did not recall the length of stay with partner, 58% have heard about sexual reproductive health services offered in the study area. A total of 55.8% of all categories of youth had used at least one or more reproductive health service before. Findings again revealed that 37.2% and 44% respectively of youth who had used sexual reproductive health considered the services received at a facility to be very friendly and friendly, yet, a few 18.6% indicated unfriendliness with services received at the facility.
Conclusion: An integrative and comprehensive approach is required to scale up youth utilization of sexual reproductive health services especially facility based. This requires baseline survey of youth users of reproductive health services and the quality of services offered.
UTILIZATION OF IMMUNIZATION SERVICES AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE I...AM Publications
Immunization is the key strategy to curb communicable diseases which are the number one killer of children under five. Immunization prevents mortalities of approximating three million children under five annually. This study aimed to assess utilization of immunization services among children under five of age in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS COUNSELLING AND TESTING ...Razak Mohammed Gyasi
Since 2003, the HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been identified as one of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care programmes in Ghana. However, utilization of this service is low among Ghanaian youth. This study examined predictors associated with VCT utilization among youth in Ghana. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative data in a cross-sectional survey in three sub-metropolitan areas in Kumasi. Using a multi-variate regression, evidence from 120 respondents showed potential factors associated with VCT utilization. The qualitative data were subjected to a content analysis through direct quotes. The results suggest that less than 30% of the youth had ever tested for HIV through VC. Women were more likely to avail themselves for counselling testing than men. Psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the seropositive, lack of confidentiality, proximity to VCT sites, HIV-related stigma inter alia, were found to be strongly associated with HIV VCT in the study prefecture. VCT utilization among the youth in Ghana was low and affected by HIV/AIDS-related stigma and residence. In order to increase VCT acceptability, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in the country should focus on reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Socio-Economic Effect of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nyami...paperpublications3
Since the first case of HIV/AIDS was reported in Kenya in 1984 the numbers of those infected have risen and many people have since died or are living with the HIV/AIDS since the epidemic started in 1980s in the drug injecting people and the homosexuals. These deaths have resulted in Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, with one of the objective of finding out the socio-economic effect of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nyamira district. A sample of 384 people participated in the study. The people were through simple random selected from Bonyegwe sublocation of Nyamusi division. Semi-structured interview schedules were used in data collection from the households. To remove ambiguity, the research tools were pre-tested to both HIV/AIDS organizations and householders not in the sample population but with similar characteristics. The research tools were refined and used on the actual sample population. Text, graphs, figures and tables were used in data presentation. The study indicates that those people who had not attained any level of formal education were (17%). The study revealed that householders (40%) had higher proportion of secondary education as compared with members of HIV/AIDS organizations (37%). Most of the members of HIV/AIDS organizations (89%) indicated that farming is their main source of income and a cushion for food security as compared with householders (63%). The ministry of health should strengthen provision of PMTCT services at the ANC clinic so that we prevent more cases of orphans and vulnerable children. The study suggests that in future all mothers who test positive for HIV virus should be put on treatment in order to reduce defaulters at the same time reach sustainable coverage in the provision of HIV/AIDS services to the orphans and vulnerable children in the society.
Nursing students as agents of change: Empowering patients using mobile technology for health promotion. Presented by Sally Britnell, School of Health Care Practice, AUT University, at HINZ 2014, 11 November 2014, 12pm, Plenary Room 2
Telehealth allows patients to have visits with health care providers remotely using video technology. Such visits are increasingly available and have the potential to make health care more accessible and convenient for patients. In May 2019, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a national sample of adults age 50–80 about their experiences with and opinions of telehealth.
Community Based Treatment Support Services: The Treatment Support Arm of the ...jehill3
Community Based Treatment Support Services: The Treatment Support Arm of the AIDSRelief Program
Martine Etienne, UMSOM-IHV/AIDSRelief
HIV/AIDS Working Group Showcase
CORE Group Spring Meeting, April 29, 2010
Achievements and Implications of HIV Prevention of Mother-toChild Transmissio...QUESTJOURNAL
Background: Mother-to-child transmission is the predominant route through which children contract HIV and can be controlled through Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme. This paper presents programme activities on PMTCT conducted among women of reproductive age in Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This intervention was carried out among women of reproductive age in eight local government areas of Plateau state. Seven civil society organizations were engaged and provided with funding by Plateau State Agency for the Control of AIDS under the HIV/AIDS fund (HAF) II. A total of 7460 women of reproductive age are the estimated sample size for this intervention and the minimum prevention package intervention was used for this project activities. Data were documented using various monitoring and evaluation tools and DHIS2 while analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel. Results: The total number of community dialogues/advocacy held was 85 and a total of 1,437 people participated. Seventeen income generation activities were carried out in this intervention and 131 people benefitted from it. A total of 87,028 pieces of condom were distributed with majority (88.5%) being distributed in 2014. Only a total of 5606 women were counseled tested and received result and 44 (0.8%) were tested positive. A total of 3275 women were referred for antenatal care during this programme and more than half (52.0%) were referred in 2014. Conclusion: This intervention has been helpful in reducing the burden of HIV and AIDS among women of reproductive age in Plateau State. However, the coverage of minimum prevention package intervention was low. More needs to be done in terms of coverage in future programmes and the intervention should also be extended to other local government areas.
Latent Class Analysis of Adolescent Health Behaviorsasclepiuspdfs
Background: Behavior is one of the most important components in health. While the impacts of adolescent risky activities have been studied extensively, less attention has been paid to health. This study examines the patterning of health behaviors among adolescents age of 10–19 years. Methods: Latent class analysis identified homogeneous, mutually exclusive “classes” (patterns) of eight, leading health behaviors - sleep, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, physicians’ visits, meal autonomy, wearing braces, general health assessment, and having a permanent tattoo. Results: Resulting classes include (1) healthy, (2) moderately healthy, and (3) unhealthy. The characteristic behaviors and tendencies of each class differed by gender. Conclsion: This study attempts to classify adolescents by their own health behavior without including parental attributes. While adolescents do not typically prescribe to predictable behaviors and actions, the emphasis on healthy behaviors by some suggests an individual awareness of behavioral impacts and importance of healthy lifestyle choices
Ijsrp p8825 Caregiver factors influencing seeking of Early Infant Diagnosis (...Elizabeth kiilu
Caregiver factors influencing seeking of Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV services in selected hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya:A qualitative Study
HIV and AIDS still remains the greatest public health challenge globally (Strauss and Thomas, 2008).
It is undoubtedly a major cause of premature deaths in many parts of the world with the poorest regions being the most affected.
The lack of an imminent cure or vaccine means that more deaths and large disease burden are inevitable (WHO, 2001).
By the end of 2010, approximately 34 million people globally were living with HIV infection.
In the same year, nearly 2.7 million new infections including slightly over 300,000 among children and 1.8 million AIDS related deaths occurred (UNAIDS, 2010).
Health System Factors Affecting Uptake of Antenatal Care by Women of Reproduc...Premier Publishers
This study sought to determine how health system factors affect antenatal care services uptake. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. The population under study was selected household members of the community, facility in charges as well as community own resource persons in Kisumu county. The study used purposive sampling method in selecting the Key Informants. A total sample size of 300 respondents were interviewed. The study used an interview and questionnaires to collect data. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyse data with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Chi-square analysis showed that distance to facility (p=0.043), waiting time (p=0.012), means of transport used (p=0.016), perceived quality of services (p=0.000) and perceived attitude of service provider (p=0.000) were significant as pertains to number of ANC visits. The study concluded that health system factors affect uptake of ANC. Specifically, lack long distance to hospital, long waiting time, poor quality of services, commodity stock outs and poor attitude of staff. The combination of these factors reduced uptake of ANC. The study recommended integration of traditional birth attendants, community health workers and health care workers services, regular ANC Outreaches and better equipping of rural health facilities.
Factors Associated With Internet Use among Primary Care Patients in Makurdi, ...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences is one of the speciality Journal in Dental Science and Medical Science published by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The Journal publishes papers of the highest scientific merit and widest possible scope work in all areas related to medical and dental science. The Journal welcome review articles, leading medical and clinical research articles, technical notes, case reports and others.
Background: Incidence and prevalence of reproductive health difficulties have been shown to be higher among younger people. In Ghana, youthfriendly sexual and reproductive health services and facilities are very limited. The study aimed at examining the friendliness of sexual and reproductive health service delivery and utilization.
Methods: Across sectional design with both qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted to examine the friendliness and utilization of reproductive health services among youth in the Kwadaso Sub-Metro of Ashanti Region, Ghana. A multistage stratified sampling was used to enroll 170 youth (150 in-school and 20 out of school youth) aged 10 - 24years. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics using SPSS software version 20.
Results: Findings demonstrated that out of the 150 in-school youth sampled, 56% ever had a boyfriend or girlfriend, however, about one third(39.3%) did not recall the length of stay with partner, 58% have heard about sexual reproductive health services offered in the study area. A total of 55.8% of all categories of youth had used at least one or more reproductive health service before. Findings again revealed that 37.2% and 44% respectively of youth who had used sexual reproductive health considered the services received at a facility to be very friendly and friendly, yet, a few 18.6% indicated unfriendliness with services received at the facility.
Conclusion: An integrative and comprehensive approach is required to scale up youth utilization of sexual reproductive health services especially facility based. This requires baseline survey of youth users of reproductive health services and the quality of services offered.
UTILIZATION OF IMMUNIZATION SERVICES AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE I...AM Publications
Immunization is the key strategy to curb communicable diseases which are the number one killer of children under five. Immunization prevents mortalities of approximating three million children under five annually. This study aimed to assess utilization of immunization services among children under five of age in Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS COUNSELLING AND TESTING ...Razak Mohammed Gyasi
Since 2003, the HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been identified as one of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care programmes in Ghana. However, utilization of this service is low among Ghanaian youth. This study examined predictors associated with VCT utilization among youth in Ghana. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative data in a cross-sectional survey in three sub-metropolitan areas in Kumasi. Using a multi-variate regression, evidence from 120 respondents showed potential factors associated with VCT utilization. The qualitative data were subjected to a content analysis through direct quotes. The results suggest that less than 30% of the youth had ever tested for HIV through VC. Women were more likely to avail themselves for counselling testing than men. Psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the seropositive, lack of confidentiality, proximity to VCT sites, HIV-related stigma inter alia, were found to be strongly associated with HIV VCT in the study prefecture. VCT utilization among the youth in Ghana was low and affected by HIV/AIDS-related stigma and residence. In order to increase VCT acceptability, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in the country should focus on reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Socio-Economic Effect of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nyami...paperpublications3
Since the first case of HIV/AIDS was reported in Kenya in 1984 the numbers of those infected have risen and many people have since died or are living with the HIV/AIDS since the epidemic started in 1980s in the drug injecting people and the homosexuals. These deaths have resulted in Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, with one of the objective of finding out the socio-economic effect of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nyamira district. A sample of 384 people participated in the study. The people were through simple random selected from Bonyegwe sublocation of Nyamusi division. Semi-structured interview schedules were used in data collection from the households. To remove ambiguity, the research tools were pre-tested to both HIV/AIDS organizations and householders not in the sample population but with similar characteristics. The research tools were refined and used on the actual sample population. Text, graphs, figures and tables were used in data presentation. The study indicates that those people who had not attained any level of formal education were (17%). The study revealed that householders (40%) had higher proportion of secondary education as compared with members of HIV/AIDS organizations (37%). Most of the members of HIV/AIDS organizations (89%) indicated that farming is their main source of income and a cushion for food security as compared with householders (63%). The ministry of health should strengthen provision of PMTCT services at the ANC clinic so that we prevent more cases of orphans and vulnerable children. The study suggests that in future all mothers who test positive for HIV virus should be put on treatment in order to reduce defaulters at the same time reach sustainable coverage in the provision of HIV/AIDS services to the orphans and vulnerable children in the society.
Nursing students as agents of change: Empowering patients using mobile technology for health promotion. Presented by Sally Britnell, School of Health Care Practice, AUT University, at HINZ 2014, 11 November 2014, 12pm, Plenary Room 2
Telehealth allows patients to have visits with health care providers remotely using video technology. Such visits are increasingly available and have the potential to make health care more accessible and convenient for patients. In May 2019, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a national sample of adults age 50–80 about their experiences with and opinions of telehealth.
Community Based Treatment Support Services: The Treatment Support Arm of the ...jehill3
Community Based Treatment Support Services: The Treatment Support Arm of the AIDSRelief Program
Martine Etienne, UMSOM-IHV/AIDSRelief
HIV/AIDS Working Group Showcase
CORE Group Spring Meeting, April 29, 2010
Achievements and Implications of HIV Prevention of Mother-toChild Transmissio...QUESTJOURNAL
Background: Mother-to-child transmission is the predominant route through which children contract HIV and can be controlled through Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme. This paper presents programme activities on PMTCT conducted among women of reproductive age in Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This intervention was carried out among women of reproductive age in eight local government areas of Plateau state. Seven civil society organizations were engaged and provided with funding by Plateau State Agency for the Control of AIDS under the HIV/AIDS fund (HAF) II. A total of 7460 women of reproductive age are the estimated sample size for this intervention and the minimum prevention package intervention was used for this project activities. Data were documented using various monitoring and evaluation tools and DHIS2 while analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel. Results: The total number of community dialogues/advocacy held was 85 and a total of 1,437 people participated. Seventeen income generation activities were carried out in this intervention and 131 people benefitted from it. A total of 87,028 pieces of condom were distributed with majority (88.5%) being distributed in 2014. Only a total of 5606 women were counseled tested and received result and 44 (0.8%) were tested positive. A total of 3275 women were referred for antenatal care during this programme and more than half (52.0%) were referred in 2014. Conclusion: This intervention has been helpful in reducing the burden of HIV and AIDS among women of reproductive age in Plateau State. However, the coverage of minimum prevention package intervention was low. More needs to be done in terms of coverage in future programmes and the intervention should also be extended to other local government areas.
Latent Class Analysis of Adolescent Health Behaviorsasclepiuspdfs
Background: Behavior is one of the most important components in health. While the impacts of adolescent risky activities have been studied extensively, less attention has been paid to health. This study examines the patterning of health behaviors among adolescents age of 10–19 years. Methods: Latent class analysis identified homogeneous, mutually exclusive “classes” (patterns) of eight, leading health behaviors - sleep, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, physicians’ visits, meal autonomy, wearing braces, general health assessment, and having a permanent tattoo. Results: Resulting classes include (1) healthy, (2) moderately healthy, and (3) unhealthy. The characteristic behaviors and tendencies of each class differed by gender. Conclsion: This study attempts to classify adolescents by their own health behavior without including parental attributes. While adolescents do not typically prescribe to predictable behaviors and actions, the emphasis on healthy behaviors by some suggests an individual awareness of behavioral impacts and importance of healthy lifestyle choices
Ijsrp p8825 Caregiver factors influencing seeking of Early Infant Diagnosis (...Elizabeth kiilu
Caregiver factors influencing seeking of Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV services in selected hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya:A qualitative Study
HIV and AIDS still remains the greatest public health challenge globally (Strauss and Thomas, 2008).
It is undoubtedly a major cause of premature deaths in many parts of the world with the poorest regions being the most affected.
The lack of an imminent cure or vaccine means that more deaths and large disease burden are inevitable (WHO, 2001).
By the end of 2010, approximately 34 million people globally were living with HIV infection.
In the same year, nearly 2.7 million new infections including slightly over 300,000 among children and 1.8 million AIDS related deaths occurred (UNAIDS, 2010).
Background: With the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the epidemic of HIV has evolved into a chronic disease. HIV is extremely stigmatizing, resulting in highly emotionally charged responses to disclosure. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children should be informed of their HIV status at ages of 6 to 12 years and full disclosure at about 8 to 10 years. Disclosure process is much more difficult when the person being disclosed to is an adolescent. However, disclosure of HIV to a child should be an ongoing process that may last several years depending on the cognitive development of the child.
Methods: This study investigated the determinants of HIV status disclosure among HIV infected adolescents. A total of 209 HIV infected adolescents (10-19 years) who have been on treatment for at least six months, and are taking lifelong anti-retroviral therapy from Bondo County Hospital, Got Agulu and Uyawi Sub County Hospital in Bondo Sub County were enrolled. Simple random sampling was employed in selecting the adolescents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics while statistical tests including Pearson Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to test the hypotheses.
Results: Findings on the overall parental perceptions regarding risks and benefits of disclosure and disclosure of HIV status to adolescents show that 180 (86.12%) of the respondents had a negative attitude compared to 29 (13.88%) who held a positive attitude. 122 (58.37%) of the respondents believed that overall availability and quality of counselling was moderate. 10 (4.78%) of the respondents believed that the overall availability and quality of counselling was high. Quality services and perception of the parents have been found to be good predictors of disclosure of HIV status among the newly diagnosed adolescents in Bondo sub-County, p-value<0.05.
Conclusion and recommendation: This study identified quality of service and perception of the parents as the two factors determining the disclosure of HIV status. There is a correlation between the parental perceptions regarding risks and benefits of disclosure and the quality of counselling to parental disclosure of HIV status to adolescents. Therefore the study recommends deliberate efforts to ensure quality service delivery and age specific disclosure counselling to caregivers to equip them with adequate knowledge on disclosure.
October 7, 2019
On October 7, 2019, the Harvard Global Health Institute will host a one-day symposium to explore what enabled this visionary program, and to showcase how it has transformed not just the worldwide HIV/AIDS response but global health delivery more broadly.
There are many lessons learned in PEPFAR’s story - from what it took to build a supply chain where there was none, to establishing the use of generic antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) and leveraging human capacity. This event convened the early architects of PEPFAR as well as experts and implementers currently leading the charge. We took a historically informed look at what it will take to stop global transmission, and shared tools useful for others hoping to move the needle on vexing problems in global health.
For more information, visit our website at https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/events/details/15-years-of-pepfar
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...PUBLISHERJOURNAL
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Transmitted Infections at KIU-TH, Ishaka Bushenyi District
Ahura, Alex
Department of Nursing Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.
________________________________________
ABSTRACT
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remains a serious reproductive health problem globally. Despite this fact, youths recklessly involve in sexual activities which predisposes them to STIs which could rather be easily preventable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of youths aged 19–24 towards prevention of STIs at KIU-TH in Ishaka Bushenyi district, Uganda. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional and quantitative methods were employed in data collection. Fifty respondents both male and female were selected using a convenient sampling method. Most respondents 30 (60%) were between 19 – 20 years, 30(60%) were students and 30(60%) were single. Knowledge towards prevention of STIs was good as majority 50(100%) understood the term STIs, 25(50%) knew HIV infection as an STIs, 50(100%) knew about transmission of STIs, 30(60%) had been sensitized and health educated about STIs prevention and majority knew condom use 30(60%) as one of the ways of preventing STIs. Attitudes were fair as majority 40(80%) believed that STIs can be dangerous and majority 40(80%) felt they could prevent STIs. Practice was poor as majority had 1-2 partners, 30(60%) and majority had their first partner at 15-17 years old 30(60%), majority of the respondents took alcohol 35(70%), majority 37(74%) reported teenage involvement in sexual relationship and 35(70%) reported alcohol as one of the most leading factors into sexual relationships, majority 33(66%) did not take precautions during sexual intercourse only 18(36%) used condoms. The study found out adequate knowledge towards STIs prevention and attitudes were fair but practices were poor.
Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, youth, sexually transmitted infections, Uganda
This is the abstract presentation of Jude Tayaben, which was made as part of the 12th session of 10th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (#APCRSHR10) Virtual. This session was held in lead up to #WorldAIDSDay and #16DaysofActivism against sexual and other forms of gender-based violence, on the theme of "HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Asia and the Pacific".
Chair: Jennifer Butler, Director, UNFPA Pacific Sub Regional office based in Fiji
Plenary Speaker: Eamonn Murphy, Regional Director, UNAIDS, Asia and the Pacific | “Solidarity and Accountability: HIV, SRHR and the COVID response”
Abstract Presenters:
-------------------------
* Jude Tayaben | Successes, Pitfalls, and Moving Forward: Adivayan Youth Health Center- A school-based program addressing Adolescent Sexuality, and Reproductive Health Issues in Benguet, Philippines
* Samreen, Manisha Dhakal | Integrating transgender health into HIV and SRHR programming in Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam
* Harjyot Khosa | Stigma, sex work and non-disclosure to health care providers: Exploring dynamics of anal sex through community led monitoring to bridge gaps in HIV care continuum services
* Angela Kelly Hanku, Agnes K. Mek | I can, I want, I will and Young & Positive: Two visual method projects with young women living with HIV in Papua New Guinea
For more information on the session, please visit
www.bit.ly/apcrshr10virtual12
Official conference website: www.apcrshr10cambodia.org
Thanks
Factors Hindering Adolescents from Utilizing Reproductive Health Services in ...PUBLISHERJOURNAL
Factors Hindering Adolescents from Utilizing Reproductive Health Services in Kampala International University Teaching Hospital
Emannuel Gutaka 1, Martin Odoki 2, Francis Okedi 3 and *Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu4
1Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and Research (KIU-THR), P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda.
2Department of Microbiology, Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC), P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda.
3Department of Surgery, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and research (KIU-THR) , P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda.
4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.
________________________________________
ABSTRACT
In Uganda, only 19% of adolescents utilize adolescents’ reproductive health services yet complications of pregnancy, abortions, and childbirth are the leading cause of disability and death among the same age group. The purpose of this study was to assess factors that were contributing to the low utilization of adolescents’ reproductive health services. A quantitative cross-sectional study employed simple random sampling among 85 adolescents that were attending Kampala international university outpatient clinic. Results found out that majority 46(53.4) of adolescents were aged from 15-16 years, 46(53.4%) were male, 28(32.5%) were Catholics most 81(94.1%) were single. 18(36%) had got the information from their friends, 28(56%) of adolescents said that the information about adolescents' reproductive health services was not freely shared in their communities and 33(66%) said that their communities did not accept adolescents sexual reproductive health services where 7(50%) gave a reason they expected to be young to have sexual intercourse. 43(86%) of adolescents were from within 1-5km, 28(73.8%) mentioned lack of privacy at the facility, and 30(79%) said that health workers segregated adolescents that needed similar reproductive health services. In conclusion, factors that were contributing to the low hindering utilization of adolescents’ reproductive health services were both demographic, socio-economic, and facility related.
Keywords: Adolescents, Reproductive, Health Services, Uganda.
Practices of Primary Caregivers about Caring Children with Leukemia at Nation...AI Publications
This research was made to assess practices of primary caregivers about caring for children with acute leukemia at the Pediatric Blood Diseases Department, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in 2020. Methods: This was analytical-observational research with the design of cross-sectional. Results: Study on 182 primary caregivers having children with acute leukemia treated at the Pediatric Blood Diseases Department, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. The unsatisfactory practice of primary caregivers having children with acute leukemia accounting for 53.8%. There were 32.4% primary caregivers almost performed the wrong diet when their children had diarrhea. 38.5% primary caregivers sometimes clean their hands before and after preparing food and 33% primary caregivers sometimes clean their children’s teeth and gums properly. 28% primary caregivers sometimes encourage your children to participate in social activities. There were relationships between the educational level, the marital status, receiving health educational information and practices of primary caregivers, with p <0.05. Conclusions: The practices of primary caregivers having children with acute leukemia were low. There were relationships between educational level, marital status, receiving health educational information and practices of primary caregivers, with p <0.05.
Attitudes of Christianreligious Education (CRE) Teachers and Students towards...inventionjournals
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to establish challenges in the teaching and learning of Christian Religious Education (CRE) that affect its provision and integration of effective HIV/AIDS education in secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to establish the attitudes of CRE teachers and students towards the role of the subject in provision of HIV/AIDS education to learners in Kenya.Stratified random sampling was used to select the 62 secondary schools that were used in the study while simple random sampling was used to select 102 teachers and 462 students who participated in the study. The study was guided by concepts and theories on factors affecting curriculum development and innovation by curriculum developers such as Farrant, Bishop, Gross and others. The research instruments for this study werequestionnaires.Data from questionnaires was quantitativelyanalysed using descriptive statistics.The study established that both the CRE teachers and students had positive attitudes towards the role of the CRE in the provision of HIV/AIDS education. The study concluded that though most of the CRE teachers and students had a positive attitude towards the role of the subject in providing HIV/AIDS education, many felt what the subject was offering on HIV/AIDS was not adequate. Consequently, the study recommended that the ministry of Education should organize for in-service training or seminars for CRE teachers and students in secondary schools on the importance of the subject in providing HIV/AIDS education so that they continue to have a positive attitude towards the subject providing HIV/AIDS education.
Cases of human imunnodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in middle and low income countries were very many. One of the biggest obstacles in the prevention of HIV/AIDS is the high stigma people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). There are still 34% of health students stigmatizing PLWHA. Appropriate learning media is needed to provide information about HIV/AIDS to midwifery students. The purpose was to determine the effect videos and pocket books on the knowledge, attitudes towards stigma of PLWHA. This research was a quantitative study with quasi-experimental non equivalent control group design. The intervention group was given information using video, the control group was given a pocket book. There were 100 respondents participated in this study. Data analysis using t-test and simple linear regression. There is a relationship between the provision of videos and pocket books on the post test knowledge with p=0.002. There is an influence of giving video to attitude with p=0.022 OR 2.731. There was a relationship between the provision of videos and pocket books on the knowledge and attitudes of respondents. There was no relationship between the source of video information on the adequacy of material about HIV AIDS and the experience of meeting PLWHA with the level of knowledge and attitude of respondents.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism - etilogy, types, medical- Surgical and nursing man...VarunMahajani
Disruption of blood supply to lung alveoli due to blockage of one or more pulmonary blood vessels is called as Pulmonary thromboembolism. In this presentation we will discuss its causes, types and its management in depth.
NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
NVBDCP was launched in 2003-2004 . Vector-Borne Disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
263778731218 Abortion Clinic /Pills In Harare ,sisternakatoto
263778731218 Abortion Clinic /Pills In Harare ,ABORTION WOMEN’S CLINIC +27730423979 IN women clinic we believe that every woman should be able to make choices in her pregnancy. Our job is to provide compassionate care, safety,affordable and confidential services. That’s why we have won the trust from all generations of women all over the world. we use non surgical method(Abortion pills) to terminate…Dr.LISA +27730423979women Clinic is committed to providing the highest quality of obstetrical and gynecological care to women of all ages. Our dedicated staff aim to treat each patient and her health concerns with compassion and respect.Our dedicated group ABORTION WOMEN’S CLINIC +27730423979 IN women clinic we believe that every woman should be able to make choices in her pregnancy. Our job is to provide compassionate care, safety,affordable and confidential services. That’s why we have won the trust from all generations of women all over the world. we use non surgical method(Abortion pills) to terminate…Dr.LISA +27730423979women Clinic is committed to providing the highest quality of obstetrical and gynecological care to women of all ages. Our dedicated staff aim to treat each patient and her health concerns with compassion and respect.Our dedicated group of receptionists, nurses, and physicians have worked together as a teamof receptionists, nurses, and physicians have worked together as a team wwww.lisywomensclinic.co.za/
The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system
It is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system and is located in front of the rectum and just below the urinary bladder
Function is to store and secrete a clear, slightly alkaline fluid that constitutes 10-30% of the volume of the seminal fluid that along with the spermatozoa, constitutes semen
A healthy human prostate measures (4cm-vertical, by 3cm-horizontal, 2cm ant-post ).
It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. It has anterior, median, posterior and two lateral lobes
It’s work is regulated by androgens which are responsible for male sex characteristics
Generalised disease of the prostate due to hormonal derangement which leads to non malignant enlargement of the gland (increase in the number of epithelial cells and stromal tissue)to cause compression of the urethra leading to symptoms (LUTS
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
Acute scrotum is a general term referring to an emergency condition affecting the contents or the wall of the scrotum.
There are a number of conditions that present acutely, predominantly with pain and/or swelling
A careful and detailed history and examination, and in some cases, investigations allow differentiation between these diagnoses. A prompt diagnosis is essential as the patient may require urgent surgical intervention
Testicular torsion refers to twisting of the spermatic cord, causing ischaemia of the testicle.
Testicular torsion results from inadequate fixation of the testis to the tunica vaginalis producing ischemia from reduced arterial inflow and venous outflow obstruction.
The prevalence of testicular torsion in adult patients hospitalized with acute scrotal pain is approximately 25 to 50 percent
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
Are you curious about what’s new in cervical cancer research or unsure what the findings mean? Join Dr. Emily Ko, a gynecologic oncologist at Penn Medicine, to learn about the latest updates from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Dr. Ko will discuss what the research presented at the conference means for you and answer your questions about the new developments.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfAnurag Sharma
Microteaching is a unique model of practice teaching. It is a viable instrument for the. desired change in the teaching behavior or the behavior potential which, in specified types of real. classroom situations, tends to facilitate the achievement of specified types of objectives.
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), or beverage alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol
that is rapidly distributed in the body and brain. Ethanol alters many
neurochemical systems and has rewarding and addictive properties. It
is the oldest recreational drug and likely contributes to more morbidity,
mortality, and public health costs than all illicit drugs combined. The
5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single
disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), with mild, moderate,
and severe subclassifications (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In the DSM-5, all types of substance abuse and dependence have been
combined into a single substance use disorder (SUD) on a continuum
from mild to severe. A diagnosis of AUD requires that at least two of
the 11 DSM-5 behaviors be present within a 12-month period (mild
AUD: 2–3 criteria; moderate AUD: 4–5 criteria; severe AUD: 6–11 criteria).
The four main behavioral effects of AUD are impaired control over
drinking, negative social consequences, risky use, and altered physiological
effects (tolerance, withdrawal). This chapter presents an overview
of the prevalence and harmful consequences of AUD in the U.S.,
the systemic nature of the disease, neurocircuitry and stages of AUD,
comorbidities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, genetic risk factors, and
pharmacotherapies for AUD.
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramLevi Shapiro
June 20, 2024, Prix Galien International and Jerusalem Ethics Forum in ROME. Detailed agenda including panels:
- ADVANCES IN CARDIOLOGY: A NEW PARADIGM IS COMING
- WOMEN’S HEALTH: FERTILITY PRESERVATION
- WHAT’S NEW IN THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS,
ONCOLOGICAL AND INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASES?
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ETHICS
- GENE THERAPY
- BEYOND BORDERS: GLOBAL INITIATIVES FOR DEMOCRATIZING LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROMOTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
- ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN LIFE SCIENCES
- Prix Galien International Awards Ceremony
An analysis of uptake in hiv voluntary counselling and testing services case of mount kenya university students, kenya
1. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
16
An Analysis of Uptake in HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing
Services: Case of Mount Kenya University Students, Kenya
Judith Museve1
*, Dr Gongera Enock George2
, Dr Constantine Loum Labongo3
1. School of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 547, Code -01000, THIKA,
KENYA
2. School of Business and Public Administration, Mount Kenya University, P.O Box 19501,
Code- 00100 GPO, NAIROBI, KENYA
3. Faculty of Tropical Institute for Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University
of Kisumu, P.O.BOX 2224, CODE- 40100 KISUMU, KENYA
*judymuseve@gmail.com
Abstract
Early testing for HIV/AIDS offers many benefits for young people but in many countries it is still rare. Where
services are still fairly low as in Kenya, people may feel that the risks of knowing and disclosing their sero-status
outweigh the benefits; hence one important challenge in addressing the needs of young people lies in
understanding the extent to which the young people know about and use protective measures against the risks.
VCT is a key intervention in HIV prevention. Being a prevention program VCT seeks to initiate behaviour
change yet its uptake is still wanting.
Data from the Mount Kenya University HIV/AIDS open day carried out at the main campus in 2010 by LVCT
showed that only 18.4% of the students had VCT. Currently, despite 90% of HIV prevention programs targeting
the youth, VCT is not taken by all. The rate of HIV VCT among the youth is persistently low with studies
showing that only a small proportion of youth have undergone VCT in Kenya. Although there is high awareness
among the youth with majority acknowledging the importance of VCT, there was need to investigate the low
uptake of VCT amongst university students. From the Kenya National AIDS Strategic Plan 2005/6 - 2009/10,
the national target of having 80% of the population being tested by the year 2010 is yet to be achieved. This
makes it necessary to assess the uptake of VCT from time to time and explore ways of increasing its uptake.
The study employed a cross sectional survey that was conducted among Mount Kenya University students in
Thika district. Multi-stage sampling was used to pick the respondents. Only schools and departments with
students from year 1 to year 4 of study were considered. The number of participating students from schools and
departments were predetermined by population proportionate allocation with individual study subjects being
picked using a table of random numbers. A sample size of 283 respondents was used as determined by Fischer et
al equation with the expected VCT uptake of 28%.
The data was collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions from October to November, 2011.
Processing of data was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 16).
Descriptive statistics and frequency tables were used to describe the characteristics of participants while chi-
square test was used to test association between dependent variables (knowledge, perception, socio-economic,
school-based and programmatic factors) and independent variable (Level of uptake). The data was summarized
in tables; and presented using graphs and charts. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to show
associations and p-value <0.05 was considered a statistically significant level of precision. Qualitatitive data fom
FGDs was recorded on note books and content analysis technique was used to summarize the findings . Uptake
of VCT services was categorized into two: Uptake (at least one visit ) and no uptake ( no visit).
The uptake of VCT services among MKU students is 76% with the three leading reasons for uptake being “To
satisfy curiosity”, “To seek early treatment” and “To determine a partner’s degree of faithfulness”. Leading
reasons for non-uptake of VCT services are “Fear of a positive result”, “Fear of people finding out” and “Not
feeling at risk”. Knowledge of VCT is quite high at 80% with the most common sources of first VCT
information being radio, television and open forums. Mothers and Nutrition counseling are important in
influencing the uptake of VCT by the students. Majority of the students perceive VCT to be important in the
fight against HIV. Majority of the students have a positive attitude toward VCT with over 80% of them willing
to go for the service. Age affected VCT uptake with older students being more likely to go for VCT. Religion
was associated with VCT uptake with majority of the students who went for VCT being protestant or catholic.
2. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
17
School-based factors that influence VCT uptake among MKU students are type of course one is studying and
year of study; with the final year students having the highest rate of uptake of VCT while pharmacy students
have the lowest rate of VCT uptake. The key programmatic factors that influence VCT uptake are quality of
services, location and appearance of VCT center. From the findings of this study, there is need to review the
design and location of VCT centers targeting the youth to make them more youth friendly. Mount Kenya
University can improve VCT service delivery by having the entire health unit staff trained in VCT. This will
enable them to provide the service on demand.
Key Words: Voluntary counseling& Testing, Mount Kenya University students
1. Introduction
HIV/AIDS pandemic is a major public health issue globally. Early detection of HIV infection is not only useful
in preventing further infection but also part of the strategy to improve treatment outcomes. Some treatment
programs have reported high mortality in patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy because of late presentation
(Jerene et al., 2006). WHO interventions for HIV prevention focused on key areas such as counselling and
testing as the entry point to treatment, prevention and comprehensive programs to HIV/AIDS infection among
infants, women and young people (WHO, 1994). However, in most Sub – Saharan African countries, many
people still do not know their HIV status.
Worldwide, an estimated 11.8million young people aged 15 – 24 years are living with HIV/AIDS, yet only a
fraction of them know that they are infected. Globally, AIDS is the 2nd most common cause of death among the
youth aged 20 – 24 years (KDHS, 2003). In 2007, about 45% of new HIV infections worldwide were among the
young people aged 15-24 years (UNAIDS, 2008). In Sub–Saharan Africa, 60% of all new HIV infections occur
among young people between the ages of 10 – 24 years (UNAIDS 1998). Kenya is one of the Sub – Saharan
countries highly affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. According to the KAIS report of 2007, the national HIV
prevalence rate is 7.4%. The prevalence rate for Central province is 3.6% while that of Thika District is 3.8%. In
the year 2011, the HIV prevalence rate of Thika rose to 6.4%. Kenyan youth (15 – 24 years) have a HIV
prevalence of 3.8% (KAIS, 2007).
VCT has become a widely advocated HIV/AIDS prevention strategy among adults. Most clients of VCT services
are adults in their mid –to late twenties (Coates et al., 1998; Ladner et al., 1996; Allen et al., 1992). By helping
clients learn about their HIV sero-status and creating a personalized HIV risk reduction plan, VCT can provide
the information necessary to change risky behaviours that can lead to HIV infection or transmission (CDC,
1994). It is cost effective, and a gateway to most HIV related services including provision of anti-retroviral
drugs, preventing opportunist infections and preventing mother – to child – transmission of HIV(Coates set al.,
1998).Whether VCT works for the youth is questionable.
In Kenya, 57% of the population has never been tested for HIV (KDHS, 2007). The national target of having
80% of the population being tested by 2010 is yet to be achieved. Currently the national HIV testing rate is
36.6% that of central province is 34.5% while that of the youth (20-24 years) is 53.1% (KAIS, 2007). VCT
contributes 30- 45% of total HIV testing in Kenya. However, many young people do not seek VCT services until
they develop symptoms of AIDS ( Kiragu, 2001). A review of 4,625 VCT data records of clients’ aged 15 – 24
years in Kenya for a period of 5 months from LVCT Home Based Counselling and Testing Program in 2007,
only 29.5% were tested (LVCT, 2007). Data from the Mount Kenya University HIV/AIDS open Day carried out
at the main campus in 2010 by LVCT showed that out of a student population of 5811, only 1500 students
visited the VCT out of which 1070 were tested. That is only 18.4% had VCT.
In view of the above, VCT utilization among the youth is still quite a challenge and there is still a need to review
the information, counseling and testing strategies so as to reach the youth who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
Mount Kenya University is a privately funded university located in Thika, 45 kilometres northeast of Nairobi,
the capital city of Kenya. Currently the University has 7 schools, 14 departments and 74 programs. It has 6
campuses namely Coast, Nairobi, Nkubu , Eldoret, Kitale and Nakuru. The total student enrollment is 19,177.
The main campus has 6 schools with a total of 24 departments and 73 programs. It has a student population of
8,380 out of which there are 193 Postgraduates, 3,700 degree, 3,154 diploma and 1,333 certificate students. The
degree student population of 3,700 distributed within the 6 schools, in a total of 9 departments and 14 programs.
3. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
18
Table 1: Table showing the distribution of undergraduate students in various schools
School Student population
Health Sciences 216
Education 2394
Business and Public Management 682
Pharmacy 184
Pure and Applied Sciences 224
TOTAL 3,700
The peri-urban setting of Mount Kenya University main campus provides an atmosphere that is both beneficial
and challenging; for intellectual activity and recreation. Thika is an industrial as well as an academic town. The
university is in close proximity to the industries and health facilities which provide training opportunities for the
students.
The University has incorporated HIV/AIDS education in its curricular in line with the CHE requirements. It is
taught to all students as a compulsory common unit. There is a Sub-AIDS control unit which partners with CHE
to highlight the importance of VCT with TOWA funding. Sub-ACU partners with relevant partners such as
LVCT, WEHMIS and APHIA II to sensitize students on HIV/AIDS and carrying out VCT services in order to
encourage VCT uptake. The unit does not provide ART for treatment or prophylaxis. In the event that a student
needs treatment, the Thika District Hospital Comprehensive Care Clinic is used as a referral. The university
general laboratory is used to carry out HIV tests. There is a University Counsellor who takes care of all the
counseling needs of all the students including HIV/AIDS. However, there is no specialized VCT counselor.
Thika is the center of politics both in Kiambu and Muranga counties. Thika town experienced fast development
due to resource allocation while the rural areas remained relatively undeveloped. Ordinary residents of Thika
district have benefited a lot from infrastructural development. Health care services development lags behind the
population growth. Thus the available health facilities cannot cope with the demand for such services and this
imbalance coincided with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This contributes to the district’s fairly high HIV/AIDS
prevalence rate.
1.0Problem Statement
The national target of having 80% of the population being tested by the year 2010 that was set in the Kenya
National AIDS Strategic Plan (KNASP) 2005/6-2009/10) is yet to be achieved. According to the KAIS (2007),
the national HIV prevalence rate is 7.4% while the youth (15-24 years) have a prevalence of 3.8%. In Thika
District where Mount Kenya University main campus is located, the HIV prevalence rose from 3.6% in the year
2007 to 6.4% in year 2011(KAIS, 2007; KAIS, 2011). One of the strategies to reduce this prevalence is to focus
on increasing uptake of VCT services.
However, data from the Mount Kenya University HIV/AIDS open day carried out at the main campus in 2010 by
LVCT showed that out of a student population of 5811, 0nly 1500 students visited the VCT out of which 1070
were tested. That is, only 18.4% had VCT. Currently, despite 90% of HIV prevention programs targeting the
youth, VCT is not taken by all (KDHS, 2003; Adam and Mutungi, 2007; Serrubide, 2009). The rate of HIV VCT
among the youth is persistently low with studies showing that only a small proportion of youth have undergone
VCT in Kenya (Adam and Mutungi,2007; LVCT, 2007). Although various studies have shown that there is
4. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
19
high level of awareness among the youth with majority acknowledging the importance of VCT, there was need
to investigate the probable reasons for low uptake of VCT amongst university students.
MKU has not done any systematic assessment to determine the level of uptake and factors influencing the uptake
of VCT services. This study aimed at determining the factors associated with the uptake of the service at MKU
was paramount to informing ways of improving the reach and quality of VCT services among the University
going students.
2. Literature review
2.0 Introduction
Limited research on the effectiveness of VCT program as it relates to college youth participation has been done
in some countries in the world. To get an insight on the research done on the VCT program the knowledge,
attitudes and practice of the youth towards VCT will be considered in this section.
2.1 Uptake of VCT by the youth
VCT is a key entry point in the fight against HIV/AIDS; but its usefulness depends on the uptake of the services
by the people. According to the founding Executive Director of UNAIDS, Peter Piot, prevention of HIV
infections is still a major challenge:
“What really concerns me is that while we have made measurable progress on access to treatment, we don’t
have the same impact when it comes to HIV prevention” (UNAIDS, 2008).
VCT has been widely advocated as a HIV/AIDS prevention strategy among adults. Most clients of VCT services
are adults in their mid- to late twenties (Coates e al., 1998; Ladner et al., 1996; Allen et al., 1992). Whether VCT
works for the youth is questionable. Since few young people use any health services, using VCT as a strategy to
reduce risk behaviours among young people appears to be more challenging than it would be among adults.
These sentiments are supported by a number of research studies that have shown persistently low uptake of VCT
services by the youth. A baseline surveillance data obtained from a representative sample of 1917 students of
Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya in 2007 showed that 89% of students reported thinking they were at risk of
HIV infection. Out of these only 28% of the subjects had been tested for HIV through VCT (Adam and Mutungi,
2007). Data from the Mount Kenya University HIV/AIDS open Day carried out at the main campus in 2010 by
LVCT showed that out of a student population of 5811, only 1500 students visited the VCT out of which 1070
were tested. That is only 18.4% had VCT.
In view of the above, VCT utilization among the youth is still quite a challenge and there is still a need to review
the information, counseling and testing strategies so as to reach the youth who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
2.2 Knowledge, Perceptions and Attitudes of youth towards VCT
There is a general assumption that young people have adequate knowledge which should influence positive
values and attitudes. Uptake of VCT by youth is influenced by their perception of VCT. Studies have shown that
about half of the youths do not have a strong positive attitude towards VCT. The willingness of many youths to
go for VCT has been reported by a number of studies, however only a small proportion actually has done so.
In a study carried out by Horizons in 2001, findings show that majority of the youth believed that information
about HIV/AIDS had changed their behaviour. Fifty percent (50%) of the youth interviewed reported abstinence
while 20% practiced safe sex after exposure to HIV/AIDS information (Horizons, 2001). According to a study
done in Ethiopia in 2006, majority of the students had high confidence in using VCT. 97% of the high school
students had heard about VCT services but less than 1
/5th of them had undergone VCT.
2.3 Socio-demographic and economic factors
Surveys have shown that the youth have a strong interest in knowing their HIV status and think that undergoing
VCT was important. However, majority of youth do not perceive themselves to be at risk of HIV infection
despite their high sexual activity with inconsistent condom use (Fylkenes and Siziya, 2004). This is explained by
5. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
20
Refaat in his study on Egyptian University Students in which he says that the youth fail to personalize the risk of
HIV and separate themselves from the problem. They feel invulnerable and have trouble seeing the long term
consequences of their risky sexual behavior (Refaat, 2004). According to another study carried out in Ethiopia in
2006, willingness for VCT was affected by age, education and previous sexual experience. Majority of them had
high confidence in using VCT but less than a fifth of them had undergone VCT (Abebe and Mitikie, 2006).
2.4 Programmatic factors
The location of the VCT centre seems to have an effect on the utilization of the services. Most youths fear going
to VCT facilities where they are likely to meet with relatives or people who know them. The location of the VCT
facility can lead to lack of privacy and issues of confidentiality.
In a study on the knowledge, attitudes and practice of secondary school students towards VCT, the barriers to
youth uptake of VCT services were cited as lack of a clear link between VCT and treatment and care, lack of
adequate information, perception of low risk, lack of privacy and confidentiality (Muganda and Otieno, 2003).
Most youths are averse to stand alone VCT centers since they feel that it will expose them to rumours. They are
also averse to VCT centers in Government Health facilities because they feel that they are likely to meet their
parents or people they know at the facility (Horizon, 2003).
2.5 Summary of Literature Review
In summary, there is high awareness of VCT services among the youth. There is still fear of being seen going for
VCT among the youth. Knowledge of VCT services is high although the accuracy of the knowledge is in doubt
in some cases. However, the knowledge does not translate to uptake of VCT services; hence uptake of VCT
services is low. Some studies show that knowledge of VCT services increases behaviour change and uptake of
the services while other studies show that knowledge does not always increase the uptake of the services, but
rather, it is repeated VCT discussions that encourage the youth to take up the services. The fact that behaviour
change is happening at such low pace raises doubts about the quality, appropriateness and presentation of
information to the youth. Some studies show that high perceived susceptibility increases uptake of VCT services
while others show that it does not. The youth have high group risk perception but low perception of self risk yet
they engage in risky sexual behaviour that exposes them to HIV. In view of the above, VCT utilization by the
youth is still quite a challenge and there is need to review the information, counselling and testing strategies so
as to reach the youth who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
3. Methodology
3.0 Study Design
A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the level and factors affecting the utilization of VCT services
among students of Mount Kenya University. This design accommodates both descriptive and analytical
components. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Study Population was degree students at the
main campus of Mount Kenya University. The population of degree students was 3,700 with 2243 males and
1457 females. This represents 44 % of the total population of MKU. Sample Size determining the population
proportion was obtained using Fisher et al, 1998 formula:
/
..............................equation 1
Where:
Z = 1.96 (if the population is approximately normal when 95% bounds on the values in the
population)
p = proportion of students expected to uptake VCT, 28% (Adam and Mutungi, 2007)
1- p = proportion of students not expected to uptake VCT
e = 0.05 (degree of accuracy at 95% confidence level)
Hence
. . .
.
= 309.78
= 310
6. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
21
n = no
1 + (no – 1)
N
…………………………equation 2
In determining the sample size for this
research, a sample size of 310 was needed (rounded from 309.78). Using the finite correction factor in above
equation (equation 2), with N = 1021, e = 0.05 and Z = 1.96 (95% confidence), leads to
n= = 238
A 20% attrition rate was added, bringing the total sample size to 386.
The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages and cross tabulation was done using chi-square test.
Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 16) was used for the data analysis. Association between
different genders and VCT uptake, course type and VCT uptake and year of study and VCT uptake were
determined. A contingence table for testing dependence through chi-squire test was developed. Level of uptake
was defined as those who attended VCT centers for services at least once while those who did not were
considered ‘No uptake’. The analysis sought to measure the associations between variables, and odds ratio was
used to show the strength of the associations. An OR<1 was taken to be significant.
4. FINDINGS
4.1 Association between knowledge of VCT services and uptake of VCT
Table 2 below indicates the frequencies and association between knowledge of VCT services and uptake of
VCT. From the results there was a varied knowledge of VCT services among the students. About 80% of the
students had knowledge of most of the services provided at the VCT. Generally, uptake of VCT was higher
among the students who had knowledge of VCT services compared to those without. More than three-quarters of
the students who thought there was pre-testing counselling, post-test counselling and actual testing services at
the VCT attended VCT. Existence of nutritional counseling was significantly associated with uptake of VCT
services (p=0.011, OR=2.2). Students who knew of the existence of nutrition counseling at the VCT services
were almost twice as likely to undergo VCT compared to those who did not know. Slightly over ½ of the
students who said there existed nutrition counseling attended VCT compared to about 1
/3
rd
who did not. A
significant number (26.6%) of students did not think that actual testing took place at the VCT. This is supported
by the FGD discussants who said that most students are anxious about what goes on during VCT. As one
discussant put it,” students don’t know the procedure of what takes place during VCT, they only try to guess
what happens and this keeps them off”.
Table 2: Knowledge of services offered at VCT and VCT uptake
Service Uptake of VCT
% (n/N)
No Uptake
% (n/N)
Odds ratio
(95% CI)
P Value
Pre- Test counseling 93.1(190/204) 91.8(56/61) 1.2[0.4-3.5] 0.723
Post- Test counseling 80.6(162/201) 77.0(47/61) 1.2[0.6-2.4] 0.546
Nutrition
Counselling
51.7(92/178) 32.8(20/61) 2.2[1.2-4.0] 0.011*
Actual Testing 87.2(163/187) 62(50/81) 1.6[0.8-3.5] 0.206
Referral 18.9(25/132) 23.4(11/47) 0.8[0.3-1.7] 0.512
*The odds ratios and P values are comparing the odds for services offered at VCT between those who uptake
and those who don’t. The comparison is between those who said “yes” to services offered at VCT. Significant at
P<0.05.
4.2 Perception of university students toward VCT
Of the 283 students interviewed, majority 148 (53.6%) were of the view that it’s not easy at all to undergo VCT
as shown in Table 3 below. This concurs with the views of the discussants in all the FGDs, who said that it was
not easy to undergo VCT. Majority (84.5%) of the students agreed they were willing to undergo VCT. About a
7. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
22
quarter of students were totally unwilling to undergo VCT. The students who agreed that VCT was important in
the fight against HIV were 79% more likely to go for VCT compared to those who disagreed (55.6%).
Perceptions of the importance of VCT in the fight against AIDS and willingness to undergo VCT were
significantly associated with VCT uptake with values of p= 0.006 and p=0.003 respectively. Over ¾ of the
students agreed that VCT is important. Perception of self risk to HIV infection was not significantly associated
with VCT uptake with about ½ of the students perceiving themselves to be at high risk of getting HIV.
Table 3: Perception of students on uptake of VCT at MKU University
Perception factors
Uptake of VCT
n(%)
No Uptake of VCT,
n(%)
P value
How easy is it to undergo VCT?
Not easy at all
Very easy
Somewhat easy
112(75.7)
37(75.5)
66(83.5)
36(24.3)
12(24.5)
13(16.5)
0.359
Would you be readily willing to undergo
VCT
Strongly disagree/Disagree
Agree/Strongly agree
40 (66.7)
153 (84.5)
20 (33.3)
28 (15.5)
0.003
Is VCT important in the fight against
HIV/AIDS
Strongly disagree/Disagree
Agree/Strongly agree
15 (55.6)
188 (79.0)
12(44.4)
50 (21.0) 0.006
In your opinion, are the youth in college at
high risk of getting HIV
Strongly disagree/Disagree
Agree/Strongly agree
35(76.1)
175 (76.8)
11(23.9)
53(23.2) 0.922
Are you at high risk of getting HIV
Strongly disagree/Disagree
Agree/Strongly agree
93(75.0)
92(83.6)
31(25.0)
18(16.4) 0.105
*The P values are comparing the perception of VCT between those who uptake and those who don’t.
Significant at p<0.05
Figure 1 below indicates the association between the willingness to undergo VCT and VCT uptake. Over ½ of
the students were willing to go for VCT. The results show that VCT uptake was higher (above 81%) among the
students who were willing to undergo VCT compared to those who were not readily willing to undergo VCT
(below 69 %.) Indecisiveness had influence on VCT uptake with slightly less than ½ (47.6%) of the undecided
students not going for VCT.
8. Public Policy and Administration Research
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
Figure 1: Association between willingness to undergo VCT and uptake of VCT services
4.3. Attitude of university students towards VCT
Table 4 below shows the students attitude towards VCT. The results show that over three
would be comfortable using VCT services irrespective of their friends’ opinion. Factors that were significantly
associated with uptake of VCT included willingness to undergo VCT by one’s own choice (P
OR=3.6), being comfortable to use VCT services
OR=2.3). The most likely person the students would share a positive HIV result with is their partner. Generally,
most of the students have a positive attitude towards VCT.
Table4: Attitude towards VCT and uptake of VCT among MKU students
Attitude factors
Would you undergo VCT by your own choice
irrespective of outstanding factors?
Yes
No
Would you be comfortable using VCT
services?
yes
no
Don't know
Would the opinion of your friends change
your decision to go for VCT?
Certainly Yes
Certainly Not
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
68.4
31.6
Percentageuptakeornouptake
would you be readily willing to undergo VCT?
Public Policy and Administration Research
-0972(Online)
23
Figure 1: Association between willingness to undergo VCT and uptake of VCT services
. Attitude of university students towards VCT
Table 4 below shows the students attitude towards VCT. The results show that over three-
d be comfortable using VCT services irrespective of their friends’ opinion. Factors that were significantly
associated with uptake of VCT included willingness to undergo VCT by one’s own choice (P
OR=3.6), being comfortable to use VCT services (P value =0.001) and the role of one’s partner (P value=0.010,
OR=2.3). The most likely person the students would share a positive HIV result with is their partner. Generally,
most of the students have a positive attitude towards VCT.
wards VCT and uptake of VCT among MKU students
Uptake of
VCT n(%)
No Uptake
n(%)
Odds Ratio
[95% CI]
Would you undergo VCT by your own choice
irrespective of outstanding factors?
197(79.4)
18(51.4)
51(20.6)
17(48.6)
3.6[1.8
Would you be comfortable using VCT
136(78.6)
14(60.9)
65(74.7)
37(21.4)
9(39.1)
22(25.3)
-
Would the opinion of your friends change
37(77.1)
167(76.3)
11(22.9)
52(23.7)
1.05[0.5
Disagree Neither agree
nor disagree
Agree Strongly
agree
63.6
52.4
81.8
93.2
36.4
47.6
18.2
6.8
would you be readily willing to undergo VCT?
Uptake No Uptake
www.iiste.org
-quarters of the students
d be comfortable using VCT services irrespective of their friends’ opinion. Factors that were significantly
associated with uptake of VCT included willingness to undergo VCT by one’s own choice (P-value=0.000,
(P value =0.001) and the role of one’s partner (P value=0.010,
OR=2.3). The most likely person the students would share a positive HIV result with is their partner. Generally,
Odds Ratio
[95% CI]
P
Value
.6[1.8-7.6] 0.000
0.001
1.05[0.5-2.4] 0.907
Strongly
6.8
9. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
24
if you tested and found Positive, whom do
you think you can tell ?
Both Parents : Yes
No
Father: Yes
No
Partner: Yes
No
Friend Yes
No
53(75.7)
105(75.0)
35(72.9)
114(74.5)
91(82.0)
70(66.70
34(79.1)
120(73.2)
17(24.3)
35(25.0)
13(27.1)
39(25.5)
20(18.0)
35(33.3)
9(20.9)
44(26.8)
1.0[0.5-2.0]
0.9[0.4-1.9]
2.3[1.2-4.3]
1.4[0.6-3.1]
0.910
0.826
0.010
0.430
*The odds ratios and P values are comparing the odds for attitude factors towards VCT between those who
uptake and those who don’t. Significant at P<0.05.
4.4 Socio-demographic and economic factors influencing uptake of VCT services among MKU students
Table 5 below indicates the association between socio-demographic and economic factors; and VCT uptake.
Age and religion were significantly associated with VCT uptake at p=0.045 and p=0.003 respectively. Students
who are Catholics, Protestants and Muslims are 80% more likely to go for VCT compared to those with no
religious affiliation. The results show that students above 21 years of age are more likely to attend VCT services
than younger students.
Level of financing amongst the students did not have any association with uptake of VCT.
Table5: Association between socio-demographic and economic factors and uptake of VCT
Socio-demographic and
economic factor
Overall
N=283
Uptake of VCT
N (%)
215 (76.0%)
No Uptake
N (%)
68(28%)
P value
Gender
Female
Male
142
141
109(76.8)
106(75.2)
33(23.2)
35(24.8) 0.755
Age Category
16-20
21-25
26 and above
85
183
15
54 (63.5)
146(79.7%)
10(66.7)
31(36.5)
37(20.2%)
5(33.3)
0.045
Religion
None
Protestant
Catholic
Muslim
others
7
161
88
20
6
2(28.6)
118(73.3)
74(84.1)
17(85.0)
4(66.7)
5(71.4)
43(26.7)
14(15.9)
3(15.0)
1(33.3)
0.005
Level of financing
excess
sufficient
Not sufficient
7
192
81
5(71.4)
140(72.9)
67(82.7)
2(28.6)
52(27.1)
14(17.3)
0.218
*The P values are comparing the odds for socio-demographic and economic factors between those who uptake
VCT and those who don’t. Significant at p<0.05
10. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
25
4.5 School- based factors influencing VCT uptake
From Figure 2 below, the results show that there is some association between the course of study and VCT
uptake. Students in majority of the courses had quite a high VCT uptake of above 77% and only the students
undertaking Pharmacy course had a lower VCT uptake of below 55%.
This resonates with the views of the discussants in Focus Group Discussion 3 comprising of Pharmacy students.
Their general view was that HIV testing should be done by the individual in private. Also they highly doubted
the accuracy of the reagents used in the test hence were reluctant to go for the test. In the words of one of the
discussants, “There are test errors which give a false positive result. The reagent for rapid HIV testing gives a
positive result when it is used in excess irrespective of the HIV status of the person, therefore results are not
reliable”.
Figure 2: Association between Course of study and VCT uptake
*Significant at p<0.05
Figure 3 below indicates the association between year of study and VCT uptake. The results show the year of
study is a significant predictor of uptake of VCT. The uptake of VCT generally increases with period of stay at
the university with the highest uptake being among the 4th
year students. However, there is a dip in this trend at
the 2nd
year of study; with students in their 2nd
year of study having the lowest VCT uptake rate.
This was supported by all discussants in the Focus Group Discussion who unanimously agreed that students opt
to undergo VCT in their later years of study because that is when they are about to finish college hence time for
decision making. “This is the time when one thinks of their future such as getting married and settling down; and
they begin to take life more seriously”.
81.1
77.5
78.5
54.5
79.6
18.9
22.5
21.5
45.5
20.4
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Bachelor of clinical Medicine
Bachelor of education
Bachelor of Business Management
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Business Information
Technology
Percentage uptake of VCT amongst MKU students
Courseofstudy
No Uptake
Uptake
11. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
26
Figure 3 Trends of VCT uptake and No uptake by year of study amongst MKU students
4.6 Programmatic factors influencing uptake of VCT service among MKU students
Table 6 below indicates the influence of programmatic factors on VCT uptake. The results show that majority of
the students felt that location and appearance of the VCT center influence utilization of VCT services. However,
the two were not significantly associated with VCT uptake. Students who felt that location does not influence
VCT utilization were more likely to attend VCT than those who felt that location influenced VCT utilization.
While students who felt that appearance of the VCT center does influence VCT uptake were more likely to
uptake VCT service compared to those who felt that appearance of the VCT center did not affect utilization.
Students who were satisfied with the VCT services were more likely to undertake VCT compared to those who
were not satisfied, with those who were satisfied being higher up-takers of VCT service. Satisfaction with the
services offered at the VCT was significantly associated with VCT uptake (p=0.000). The results were
contradicted by the views of the discussants in all FGDs except those in FGD 3. The discussants unanimously
agreed that an exposed location of the VCT center discourages utilization of the service.
As per one of the discussant’s words, “everyone who sees you going for the test concludes that you must doubt
yourself because of your behaviour. They wait to determine your HIV status by trying to read your facial
expression. It’s discouraging.” All discussants except one preferred a VCT center that was integrated in a
hospital set up such that one could not be identified to have gone for VCT. Majority of the discussants did not
agree with the colour of the VCT center and the posters placed in them. They felt that the commonly used white
colour is too judgmental. As one of the discussants put it, “When you enter that white tent you feel like you have
entered a judgment room. I guess that is what it will be like in heaven. It’s frightening and most students walk
away at this point.”
72.2
67.1
81.9
86.0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year
percentageuptakeofVCT
Year of study
Uptake
Uptake
12. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
27
Table6. Programmatic Factors and uptake of VCT
Programmatic factors Uptake of VCT
N (%)
No Uptake
N (%)
P value
Does the location of the VCT center
influence utilization of the VCT
service?
certainly yes
certainly not
don’t know
143(77.7)
58(82.9)
14(66.7)
41(22.3)
12(17.1)
7(33.3)
0.108
Were you satisfied with the services
that you received at the VCT center?
strongly disagree/disagree
neither agree nor disagree
agree/strongly agree
28(84.8%)
7(46.7)
178(96.2%)
5(15.2)
8(53.3)
7(3.8%)
0.001
Did like information provided? at the
VCT?
Yes
No
123(96.1)
58(92.1)
5(3.9)
5(7.9)
0.240
Did you like -actual testing
Yes
No
119(95.2)
64(95.5)
6(4.8)
3(4.5) 0.920
Did you like -information on how to
live after
Yes
No
134(95.7)
46(88.5)
6(4.3)
6(11.5)
0.065
Did you like -service provider attitude
Yes
No 86(97.7)
82(92.1)
2(2.3)
7(7.9)
0.090
Does the appearance of the VCT center
influence utilization of VCT services?
certainly yes
certainly not
don’t know
126(82.9)
71(74.7)
18(69.2)
26(17.1)
24(25.3)
8(30.8)
0.143
*The P values are comparing the programmatic factors between those who uptake VCT and those who don’t.
Significant at p<0.05.
5. Discussion
5.0 Introduction
The Ministry of Health is determined to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Early detection of HIV infection is
not only useful in preventing further infection but also part of the strategy to improve treatment outcomes. VCT
has become widely advocated as a HIV/AIDS prevention strategy among adults. The national target of having
80% of the population being tested by 2010 is yet to be achieved.
The study focused on factors associated with VCT uptake among the students in Mount Kenya University. The
purpose of this chapter was to broadly discuss the analyzed data collected using the various data collection
methods. The discussion is as per the specific objectives set out in section 1.4 in chapter one of the study.
13. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
28
5.1 General characteristics of respondents
A sample of 286 students was selected for the study but 283 responded. A total of 99% of the sample size
responded while 1% declined. This response is quite satisfactory hence gives the findings credence. The study
found that majority of the participants were youth below the age of 25 years. Of the 283 respondents who
participated in the study, the males (50.2%) and females (49.8%) were evenly distributed. This agrees with the
ratio of males to females in the University which was 1.5:1. The number of males was slightly higher in all the
courses of study except in Clinical Medicine and Education. Education and Business Management had the
highest number of students followed by Pharmacy. This is in agreement with the university records that indicate
that the school of Education is the largest followed by the school of Business and Public Management. Majority
(72.1%) of the students were single with a fairly even distribution of males (50.5%) and females (49.5%). A
significant proportion of students were cohabiting (20.5%). Most of the students are Protestants or Catholics.
5.2 Level of VCT service uptake
The study showed that VCT uptake among the students was 76%. Though the VCT uptake is high, it is yet to
reach the national target of having 80% of the population being tested by the year 2010(KNASP 2005/6-
2009/10). This result differs from that of the work done by Adam and Mutungi (2007) at Moi University in
which only 28% of university students had been tested for HIV through VCT. However, the study at Moi
University was mainly on sexual risk behavior hence its definition of VCT uptake may not be in the same
context as applied in this study. It also varies with the records of LVCT (2007) which showed that only 29.5% of
youth aged 15-24 years had been tested. Likewise it is in disagreement with work done by Meshesha (2007) in
Ethiopia in which out of 41% of youth who were aware of VCT services only 10% had VCT done. It also
disagrees with the findings of Abebe and Mitkie (2006) which showed that out of 97% of students who had
heard of VCT services, less than 20% of them had undergone VCT. It can be hypothesized that reception of VCT
by the youth has increased. Since the level of VCT uptake at MKU is fairly high, it can be hypothesized that the
vigorous campaigns with varied testing strategies have impacted positively on the youth. This has been the trend
since the First HIV/AIDS open day held in 2010, coupled with the regular termly campaigns by the Counselling
department.
However, the number of students undertaking repeat VCT is still low and the number generally decreases with
increase in number of visits. It can be hypothesized that students are still apprehensive to undergo VCT. Majority
of students muster enough courage to go for just the first VCT visit. Those who turn positive may go for repeat
test due to denial. Those who test negative are unlikely candidates for repeat VCT visit. Such students prefer to
live by the “negative” result for their own convenience and peace of mind. Majority of the students are
convinced that being HIV positive is stressful to the youth and a good number of them would rather not know
their status. This is compounded by the fact that there is no cure for HIV. From the FGD discussants, it was
evident that the youth dislike routine things hence not good up-takers of ARVs, Family planning preparations
and so forth. They like spontaneity. Thus the thought of being on ARVs in the event that one tested positive to
HIV is a major challenge to them which compounds VCT uptake by the youth. A significant number (24%) of
students have never gone for VCT. More males than females have not undergone VCT.
Majority of the students attended VCT “to satisfy curiosity”, followed by “to seek early treatment” and “to
determine a partners degree of faithfulness”. The least number of students undertook VCT “ on suspicion after
infection by a STI”. This is in agreement with the observation made by Horizon (2001) that most youth seek
VCT “to know their status in general; which differed with the view of service providers who thought that youth
seek VCT services because of exposure to HIV risk. However, there is an increase in the proportion of youth
seeking VCT because of exposure to HIV (69%) compared to the 21% cited by Horizons (2001). Also, more of
the youths who cited the reason for VCT as “to seek early treatment” were more likely to undergo VCT. This can
be attributed to the increased availability of ARVs to manage HIV. Likewise, there is an increased proportion
of youth seeking VCT to determine the partner’s degree of faithfulness (55.3%) compared to the 30% cited by
Horizon (2001). This can be due to the youths’ acknowledgement that they have risky sexual behavior.
The most cited reason for not attending VCT was fear of a positive result followed by fear of people finding out,
stigma, lack of youth friendly services, location of VCT and “Not feeling at risk”. Students who cited “service
provider attitude” as a reason for not attending VCT were the least likely to uptake VCT. This is in line with the
observation of Horizon (2001) in which service providers were judgmental towards the youth. Confidentiality is
a major concern to the youth. According to the students, lack of confidentiality was a major barrier to VCT
uptake. The discussants in the FGDs were convinced that young and female VCT counsellors are the worst
service providers since they cannot maintain confidentiality. “These counsellors discuss their clients profile with
other people”, said one of the discussants. The students prefer older females or male counsellors who are more
likely to keep confidentiality. The effect of the fear of a positive result and stigma was echoed by all the
14. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
29
discussants. Almost all the FGD discussants believed that once a person tests positive for HIV, the rest of the
students treat them differently. The individual is isolated to a large extent and a good number of them respond by
rampantly spreading the infection. Spreading the infection is a defense mechanism such that in case one’s status
was disclosed then they respond by publicizing the list of possible casualties of the same. Although the Kenya
National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (2005/6-2009/10) advocates for reduction of stigma against HIV positive
people, results from this study indicate that there is still much to be achieved in the effort towards stigma
eradication.
Effort was made to get secondary data from the MKU dispensary and laboratory. However, there were no
records on VCT services at both entities. No records are kept for the very few students who have ever been
tested. The university has made some effort to develop a HIV/AIDS policy but it is yet to be established.
5.3 Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of VCT
This study indicated that all the students had heard of VCT, hence knowledge of HIV and VCT has increased
over the years. The study showed that majority of the students first heard about VCT from the radio, followed
by television then open forums. Few students first heard about VCT from their lecturers or youth centers. This is
in agreement with the findings made by Muganda and Otieno (2003) that the most common source of VCT
information was the electronic media (TV and Radio). A large majority of VCT up-takers are those who first
heard of VCT from their mothers followed by those who heard about it from youth and health centers. Generally,
mothers are better in sharing information with their children and are more supportive of them in all
circumstances.
A significant number (26.6%) of students did not think that actual testing took place at the VCT. This is in line
with the work of Muganda and Otieno(2003) in which most of the young people still did not believe that they
have enough information about VCT. This can be explained by the youths’ curiosity coupled with anxiety as to
what actually happens inside the VCT room. From the FGD discussants, it was evident that the youth were keen
to know the procedure of what takes place in the VCT room in order to boost their confidence to attend VCT.
Nutrition counseling was an important factor in VCT uptake; hence awareness of nutrition counseling is key in
enhancing utilization of VCT by the youth. As indicated by some discussants, “Some students go for VCT just to
get nutrition information in order to help HIV positive people that they know”.
In regard to perception, majority (84.5%) of the students indicated that they were willing to undergo VCT
although they felt that it is not easy at all to undergo VCT. VCT uptake was high (above 81%) among the
students who were willing to undergo VCT. This is in contradiction to the findings of Abebe and Mitkie (2006)
which showed that of the majority students who had high confidence in using VCT, less than a fifth of them had
undergone VCT.
Most (88.3%) of the students who responded to the specific question on the importance of VCT agreed that VCT
is important in the fight against HIV/AIDS. There is an increase in the perception of VCT being viewed as
important in the fight against HIV as compared to the findings of Horizon (2001) which showed that half (50%)
of the youth thought that undergoing VCT was very important; and those of Abebe and Mitkie (2006) which
showed that only 25% of the youth agreed that VCT is an effective way to prevent HIV/AIDS. This can be
attributed to increased awareness and knowledge on HIV management. Of the Students who responded to the
question of self risk to HIV, there were about equal proportions of students who thought that they were at risk of
getting HIV (47%) and those who thought they were not at risk (53%). This is a variation from the work done by
Fylkenes and Siziya (2004) which reported that majority of youth do not perceive themselves to be at risk of
HIV infection despite their high sexual activity with inconsistent condom use. The findings of this study are in
disagreement with the work of Refaat (2004) in which he says that the youth fail to personalize the risk of HIV
and separate themselves from the problem. There is an increase in the proportion of youth who have
personalized risk to HIV.
Majority (64%) of the students had a positive attitude towards VCT. This is a variation from the findings of
Muganda and Otieno (2003) which showed that about 50% of the respondents did not have a strong positive
attitude towards the use of VCT. From the discussants in the FGDs, majority of the students however suffered
from fatigue of hearing about HIV inclusive of VCT.
5.4 Socio-demographic and economic factors influencing VCT uptake
Generally, VCT uptake is slightly higher among females than in males. The study revealed that VCT uptake
among females is 1.6% higher than in males. These results are in agreement with the findings of KAIS (2007)
report which found that more women (40.7%) had been tested for HIV compared to men (24.9%). According to
15. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
30
the report, Kenya is yet to achieve its national 2010 goal of having 80% of all adolescents and adults in the
country to be tested at least once. More testing is needed. Generally students aged 21-25 years had the highest
attendance of VCT services. This is in line with the university statistics which indicate that most of the students
are 21 and 25 years old; hence VCT up-takers are likely to be in this particular age bracket. This finding is in
agreement with the findings of KAIS (2007) report which found that HIV testing rate was highest among the
people aged 20 -24 years.
Students with no religious affiliation were the lowest up-takers of VCT. There was no statistical significance
between finances and VCT uptake. However, the FGD discussants were convinced that finances influence VCT
uptake for students who are at the extreme levels of finances. Students with a lot of money were likely to have
multiple sexual partners. For some, they will acquire many sexual partners using their money as bait while for
some, they are actually followed by members of the opposite sex who are attracted to them due to their money.
On the other hand, some female students with low finances resort to prostitution for survival. Both cases result to
the students having multiple sexual partners which makes them less likely to go for VCT due fear of a positive
result.
5.5 School based factors influencing VCT uptake
The results showed that the course of study affected VCT uptake with pharmacy students being the lowest up-
takers of VCT services. These are students who are well versed with HIV/AIDS and ARV action such that they
are over confident of being capable of managing themselves should the situation demand so. The discussants in
this FGD were the most critical of the VCT testing methods and reagents used. This criticism evidently
influenced their uptake of VCT. On the contrary, Business Management students who had gaping knowledge
gaps, exhibited the greatest fear for HIV infection but incidentally were more sexually permissive compared to
other students. Uptake of VCT generally increased with progression in the year of study with 4th years being the
highest up-takers of VCT services. During their final year of study, students tend to be cautious as they plan for
their future after college. However, the uptake of VCT by 2nd year students is lower than that of the 1st years.
This is attributed to the fact that by 2nd year the students have been influenced by campus life and most likely
have sexual experience because they tend to be more active in their 2nd year of study; hence tend to be aversive
to VCT. This being one of the factors that influence VCT uptake, it reduces their attendance of VCT. These
results are in agreement with the work of Abebe and Mitkie (2006) in which the students’ willingness to attend
VCT was affected by age, education and previous sexual experience.
5.6 Programmatic factors influencing VCT uptake
The study showed that majority of the respondents thought the location and appearance of the VCT center
influenced utilization of VCT services. This was supported by the discussants in all the FGDs. However, the two
factors did not seem to significantly affect VCT uptake by the respondents. Students often avoid stand alone
VCT sites. Majority of the respondents’ preferred VCT sites in hospital set ups and in youth centers. Generally,
the youth prefer VCT sites that are integrated in other activities so that their visit to the VCT is not obvious.
They prefer that VCT centers acquire a different colour other than the characteristic white which made them feel
like they are entering a judgment room. The wall hangings and charts in the VCT centre should not be
HIV/AIDS specific only. The youth prefer that there be a mixture of informational charts and diverse wall
hangings. This concurs with the work of Horizon (2001) which showed that most youths are averse to stand
alone VCT centers since they feel that it will expose them to rumours. This is in agreement with the work of
Muganda and Otieno (2003) which cited lack of privacy and confidentiality as barriers to VCT uptake.
However, these study results differed with the findings of Horizon (2003) which showed that youths are also
averse to VCT centers in Government Health facilities because they feel that they are likely to meet their parents
or people they know at the facility
6. Conclusions and Recommendations
6.1 Conclusions
6.1.1 Level of uptake of VCT
The uptake of VCT services among MKU students is 76% with the three leading reasons for uptake being “To
satisfy curiosity”, “To seek early treatment” and “To determine a partner’s degree of faithfulness”. Leading
16. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
31
reasons for non-uptake of VCT services are “Fear of a positive result”, “Fear of people finding out” and “Not
feeling at risk”.
6.1.2 Knowledge, perception and attitude towards VCT
Knowledge of VCT is quite high at 80% with the most common sources of first VCT information being radio,
television and open forums. Majority of the students perceive VCT to be important in the fight against HIV.
Majority of the students have a positive attitude toward VCT with over 80% of them willing to go for the
service.
6.1.3 Socio-demographic and economic factors
Age affects VCT uptake with older students being more likely to go for VCT. Religion is associated with VCT
uptake with majority of the students who go for VCT being protestant or catholic. Finances are not associated
with VCT uptake.
6.1.4 School-based factors
The type of course one is studying and year of study influence VCT uptake among MKU students with the final
year students having the highest rate of uptake of VCT while pharmacy students have the lowest rate of VCT
uptake.
6.1.5 Programmatic factors
The key programmatic factors that influence VCT uptake are quality of services, location and appearance of
VCT center.
The researcher’s personal opinion is that, there is an increase in the VCT uptake by the youth and uptake is fairly
high. It is not low as indicated by earlier studies. A review of the location and design of VCT centers targeting
the youth will greatly enhance uptake of the VCT services by the youth.
6.2 Recommendations
6.2.1 Practice:
i. There is need for the strategies used to enhance uptake of VCT services to target mothers and also
highlight nutrition counseling services.
ii There is need to review the design and location of VCT centers targeting the youth to ensure they are
user friendly.
iii. There is need for MKU to improve VCT service delivery systems by having a comprehensive learning
environment for health care providers and ensure that they are trained in VCT with an aim of providing
the service on demand without making referrals.
6.2.2 Further research
There is need for a cohort study to determine the trends in VCT uptake for given students from their 1st
to 4th
year of study.
REFERENCES
1. AIDS Alert, 1994, “College HIV rate holds steady, but exposure remains high”. AIDS Alert, Nov.1994, Vol
9, No 11. Pg. 153-156
2. Abebe A and Mitikie G. ,2006, Perception of High School Students towards Voluntary HIV Counselling
and Testing, using Health Belief Model in Butajira, SNNPR. Ethiopia Journal of Health Development,
2009;23(2): 148-153
3. Adams ,M.B. and Mutungi, M.,2007, Sexual risk behaviour among Kenyan Students. Journal of the
Arizona- Nevada. Academy of Science, Vol 39, No. 2.
4. AIDS and Public policy Journal, 1989, An assessment of AIDS –related knowledge, attitudes and
behaviours among selected college and university students. 1989. AIDS and Public policy Journal, 1989.
5. Asamoah-Odei, E, Garcia C.J.M., Boerma JT., 2004, “HIV prevalence and Trends in Sub-Saharan Africa:
No decline and Sub regional differences’. Lancet,2004, 364:35-40
17. Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.4, 2013
32
6. Chinyere C.P., 2006, Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing: Analysis of
University of Lagos Students, Nigeria. Department of Sociology; University of Lagos, Nigeria.
7. Degu J. Aschalew E. and Bernt L., 2006, Acceptability of HIV Counselling and Testing among Tuberculosis
patients in South Ethiopia. Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway.
8. Fylkesnes K and Siziya S., 2004, A randomized trial on acceptability of voluntary HIV counseling and
testing. Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Armauer Hansen building 5021 Bergen.
Norway.
18. This academic article was published by The International Institute for Science,
Technology and Education (IISTE). The IISTE is a pioneer in the Open Access
Publishing service based in the U.S. and Europe. The aim of the institute is
Accelerating Global Knowledge Sharing.
More information about the publisher can be found in the IISTE’s homepage:
http://www.iiste.org
CALL FOR PAPERS
The IISTE is currently hosting more than 30 peer-reviewed academic journals and
collaborating with academic institutions around the world. There’s no deadline for
submission. Prospective authors of IISTE journals can find the submission
instruction on the following page: http://www.iiste.org/Journals/
The IISTE editorial team promises to the review and publish all the qualified
submissions in a fast manner. All the journals articles are available online to the
readers all over the world without financial, legal, or technical barriers other than
those inseparable from gaining access to the internet itself. Printed version of the
journals is also available upon request of readers and authors.
IISTE Knowledge Sharing Partners
EBSCO, Index Copernicus, Ulrich's Periodicals Directory, JournalTOCS, PKP Open
Archives Harvester, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Elektronische
Zeitschriftenbibliothek EZB, Open J-Gate, OCLC WorldCat, Universe Digtial
Library , NewJour, Google Scholar