Background
Studies
have shown that couple HIV counseling and testing (CHCT) increased rates of
sero-status disclosure and adoption of safer sexual behaviors with better
linkage to treatment and care. However, current evidence suggests that new HIV
infections are occurring among heterosexual couples in stable relationships
where the majority of the individuals are not aware of their partner’s
serostatus. This study examined the predictors of CHCT uptake among married or
cohabiting couples of Bukomero sub-county Kiboga district in Uganda.
Methods
This
cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 323 individuals who
were either married or cohabiting, aged 18–49 years. Participants were enrolled
from randomly selected households in Bukomero sub-county. Data were collected
using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographics,
self-rating on awareness of CHCT benefits, couple discussion about HIV testing
and CHCT practices. Couples were compared between those who had reported to
have tested as a couple and those who had not. Binary logistic regression was
performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio [aOR] and 95 % confidence
intervals [CI] for CHCT uptake and the other independent variables.
Results
Of
the participants 288 (89.2 %) reported to have ever taken an HIV test only
99 (34.4 %) did so as a couple. The predictors of testing for HIV as a
couple were discussing CHCT with the partner, awareness of CHCT benefits and having time to test as a couple.
Conclusion
Uptake
of HIV counseling and testing among couples was low. Discussing CHCT with
partner, awareness of CHCT benefits, and availability of time to test as a
couple were predictive of CHCT uptake. Thus CHCT campaigns should emphasize
communication and discussion of HIV counseling and testing among partners.
Full article at:
1Department of Nursing, College of Health
Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
2Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala,
Uganda
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