Abstract:
Background: Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) has been shown to be an
acceptable and effective tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Couple HIV Counselling
and Testing (CHCT) however, is a relatively new concept whose acceptance and efficacy
is yet to be determined.
Objective: To describe factors that motivate couples to attend VCT as a couple.
Design: A cross sectional qualitative study.
Setting: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Moi University, School of Medicine,
Eldoret, Kenya
Subjects: Seventy one individuals were interviewed during KII (9) and dyad interviews
(31 couples). Ten FGDs involving a total of 109 individuals were held.
Results: Cultural practices, lack of CHCT awareness, stigma and fear of results deter
CHCT utilisation. Location of centre where it is unlikely to be associated with HIV
testing, qualified professional staff and minimal waiting times would enhance CHCT
utilisation.
Conclusions: CHCT as a tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS in this region of Kenya is
feasible as the factors that would deter couples are not insurmountable
