ISSN 2736-1748
African Journal of AIDS and HIV Research ISSN 2326-2691 Vol. 5 (9), pp. 289-294, September, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Factors hindering acceptance of HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) among youths in Kwara State, Nigeria
L. A. Yahaya1*, A. A. G. Jimoh2 and O. R. Balogun2
1Department of Counsellor Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Accepted 02 April, 2017
Abstract
HIV/AIDS has become a source of concern all over the world. The concern cannot be isolated from the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on economic, social, political and technological development of any nation with a high prevalence rate. Nigeria is one of the countries with HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of over 4%. Despite this challenge, the patronage of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is still very low. This study therefore examined the factors hindering the acceptance of VCT as expressed by youths in Kwara State. A total of 600 youths from the three Senatorial districts in the State were involved in the study. A survey instrument designed by the researchers was used to collect relevant information from the respondents. Among others, the study identified ignorance, poverty, inadequate number of VCT centres, stigma and discrimination as major factors responsible for the low patronage of VCT centres in Kwara State. Gender and religion had no significant influence on the respondents’ views while place of residence had significant influence. The implications of the findings to medical practice and counselling were identified and discussed.
Key words: Factors, hindering, acceptance, youths, HIV/AIDS, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT).