Factors Associated with Couple HIV Counseling and Testing:

Abstract

The study was set out to assess the factors associated with couple HIV counseling and testing amongst couples in Acholi quarters –Mbuya, Nakawa division, Kampala district.

The general objective was to establish the factors associated with CHCTamongst couples in Acholi quarters –Mbuya, Nakawa division, Kampala district while Specific objectives were; to determine the proportion of couples in Acholi quarters that have attended CHCT, to identify the couple factors associated with CHCT, to identify the socio-familial factors associated with CHCT among couples and to establish the health system factors associated with CHCT Methodology;A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in which the300 respondents were interviewed. The study utilized mainly primary sources of data by the use of researcher administered questionnaires and key informant guide.

Results;The findings indicate that a big proportion of the couples, 215(72%) had never attended CHCT.The major factors associated with CHCT amongst couples in Acholi included; Length of years in relationship(p-value=0.027), going to the health facility together( p-value=0.041), having many wives or sexual partners( p-value=0.04), fear of stigma or discrimination on disclosure of HIV status(p-value=0.011).Availability of VCT services( p-value=0.035)and waiting time(p- value=0.025).

Conclusions: The key significant factors associated couple factors couple HIV counseling and testing included length of years in relationship, ever gone the health facility together, having many wives or sexual partners, fear of stigma or discrimination on disclosure of HIV status, Health system factors such as availability of VCT services and waiting time.

Recommendations: Community sensitization of couples on the importance of couple HIV counseling, Community outreaches in CHCT services in hard to reach areas and testing be done and strengthening of both CHCT through capacity building of health workers and medical support supervision of CHCT services in all regions of the country.