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Knowledge of HIV Status and Barriers to HIV Testing Services among the Youth
Article Number: SIS132507AI010523
1st May, 2023
Author(s):
Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi, Dr. Jacob Abebrese
Abstract:
Globally, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
infection remains a public health threat and is worse in Sub-Saharan Africa.
HIV/AIDS in Ghana is a serious concern and a threat to the youth, which
constitute the workforce. Innovative HIV Services have the potential to address
low HIV testing rates; however, the dynamics of HIV uptake are not well
understood among the youth. This study, therefore, examined the evidence of
knowledge of HIV status and barriers to the uptake of HIV Services among the youth
in Asutifi North District. The study adopted a quantitative approach by
administering questionnaires to 387 youth in the district. Subsequently, the
data were coded and analyzed in STATA 14.0 Statistical Software. Findings from
the study demonstrated that there was inadequate knowledge of HIV status among
the youth, and they preferred to know their HIV status. A high proportion of
youth have never heard of HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) Services. All
barriers that prevented the efficient uptake of HIV testing and counseling
services included personal level barriers (stigma and discrimination) and
health workers' attitudes that hindered the efficient uptake of HTC services.
HIV testing and knowing one’s HIV status are most common among married young
women (OR = 3.52; p 0.001; 95% CI = 1.80–7.88). The most preferred HIV testing
strategy is the "Know Your Status" campaign, while PITC has the
potential to improve knowledge of HIV status. The study concludes that among
the youth in Asutifi North District, there are low knowledge of HIV status, and
personal and health system barriers prevent the uptake of HTC services. Being
married among the youth is associated with knowledge of one’s HIV status,
especially for young women. The Know Your Status campaign is also the most
preferred HIV testing strategy among the youth in Asutifi North District.