Determinants of Voluntary HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing among University Students in Ghana

Abstract

Aim: The onset of the new global pandemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola may have shifted attention from factors affecting voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS, especially among university students. The study sought to determine the factors influencing VCT uptake among university students. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the University for Development Studies, from May to June 2020. Methodology: The study population was 119 (males: 71.4% and females: 28.6%) aged between 20 to 45 years. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Results: Males were less likely to obtain information regarding VCT from the hospital as compared to the media [OR: 0.193(95%CI: 0.041-0.914)]. A student who was informed regarding VCT [OR: 6.833(95%CI 1.258-37.119)], a student who knew where VCT services were provided [OR: 9.336(3.002-29.032)], a student who was willing to take an HIV test [OR: 4.400(1.515-12.777)] and a student who tested for HIV on campus [OR: 5.455(1.930-15.418)] had greater odds of VCT uptake. However, the odds that a student tested for HIV was less for other reasons either than medical [OR: 0.284(0.084-0.959)]. Conclusions: The findings of this study are useful for healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, policymakers and university management regarding HIV infection prevention and control among students.