Abstract:
Background: Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) is one of the key strategies for the
prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. The introduction of home based HIV counseling and
testing (HCT) could improve the uptake of VCT services. The study was conducted to explore
uptake of home based counseling and testing services in Turbo Division.
Methods: This was a population based cross sectional study employing both qualitative and
quantitative techniques of data collection. It was conducted in May 2013, using interviewer
administered semi-structured questionnaire. Using multi stage sampling, 362 household heads
were sampled from 41 randomly selected villages. Data was collected on uptake of HCT and on
other factors including socio-demographic, knowledge of HCT and perception of HCT exercise
at home as independent variables. The odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of
uptake of HCT by the independent variables were estimated. The chi-square, t-test and
multivariate logistic regression model were employed in the analysis. P<0.05 was considered
significant. All the analysis was done in Statistical Package for Social Sciences V.17
Results: Overall, the uptake of HCT was 83% with about 85.4% reporting to have ever been
tested for HIV earlier. Factors associated with higher odds of HCT uptake were Age (AOR; 95%
CI: 1.047; 1.002-1.0904) and knowledge and awareness regarding HCT (AOR; 95%CI: 13.788;
4.628-41.077).
Recommendation: More innovative ways such as poster presentations and leaflets should be
used to provide education and knowledge on HCT. There is need for the general population,
especially the youth, to embrace a culture of periodical uptake of voluntary HIV testing.
Conclusion: Overall, over three quarters of the study participants utilized AMPATH home based
counseling and testing. Age and knowledge regarding HCT continue to be major factors to
uptake of HIV counseling and testing through the home based model.
