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Background: Couples Voluntary Counseling and Testing (CVCT) is an effective
HIV prevention strategy for couples who represent the largest risk group in
Africa. In this region, less than 1% of couples tested for HIV. Of the estimated
100 infections per day in many African countries 70% occurs in cohabiting
couples. In Ethiopia, there are only few couple based VCT studies conducted.
Narrowing the gap of knowledge in these matters will help as a baseline for other
studies. Furthermore it helps in forming strategies and specific interventions to
deal with drawback of CVCT program.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of couples
coming to VCT centers and to assess the factors associated with use and nonuse
of CVCT services in Addis Ababa.
Methods: A cross sectional study in 6 government hospital VCT sites in Addis
Ababa city was conducted in the month of April, 2007.
Using quota sampling method, the 875 individuals who fulfilled the criteria who
took VCT/CVCT service were included in the study consecutively until the
required sample was obtained. Data was collected using standard interview
questions. For supplementing the quantitative results, 4 Focus group discussions
among VCT users were conducted. To explain the study population in relation to
relevant variables, frequencies and summary statistics were used. Association
between dependant and independent variable was assessed and presented
using odds ratio and confidence interval. Logistic regression was used to control
possible confounders.
Result: Out of all 771 study participants, 14.5% were couples. The HIV infection
rate was 21%. Based on the adjusted regression, the respondents who were in
the primary education(1-8) level were four times likely to use CVCT service than
those respondents who never had a formal education with AOR(95%CI): 3.88
(1.22,12.30). Adjusted for the other variable, those study participants who used
condom occasionally, during sexual intercourse with their regular partners, were
five times more likely to use CVCT service than those who never used condoms
with AOR (95%CI): 4.50 (1.33-15.31. Respondents who claimed to never heard
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about CVCT service utilization were less likely to use CVCT service compared to
those who did with AOR (95%CI) 0.29(0.13-0.65).The participants who had no
history of HIV testing were less likely to use CVCT service than those who had
with AOR (95%CI) 0.44(0.27-0.71).The knowledge of participants on HIV and
other STIs had no significant association with CVCT service utilization. The most
common reason claimed by the respondents for not using CVCT service during
the study was because the partner already knew the result.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of couples VCT service
utilization in Addis Ababa VCT sites is low. Frequent, clear and accurate mediabased
information programs using multiple languages are needed to increase
access to information on VCT, with particular attention to the importance of VCT
for couples. And other Specific approaches to promote CVCT service is needed
to be developed service through appropriate researches. |
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