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Assessment of the utilization of pre-marital HIV testing services and Shabbir Ismael determinants of VCT in Addis Ababa, 2003
Abstract
Background: Pre-marital HIV testing contributes to the prevention of HIV infection by diminishing heterosexual transmission between partners and indirectly also protects any potential child from contracting the virus.
Objectives: To assess the utilization and determinants of pre-marital HIV testing in civil marriages taking place at the Addis Ababa City Hall Marriage Licensing Center.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was made on men and women at their civil marriage ceremonies. Interviews were conducted on a one-to-one basis, and a separate analysis was performed for each sex.
Results: Out of the 640 individuals (320 males and 320 females) who underwent civil marriage, 55% reported having had pre-marital HIV testing. The main reason given for not having HIV testing was that the interviewees did not feel at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. Individuals of both sexes who had frank discussion as a couple about HIV were found to be more likely to have pre-marital HIV testing (adjusted ORs 10.96, 95% CI 3.7 to 33.3 for men and 7.78, 95% CI 2.86 to 20.0 for women). The VCT schemes preferred by most respondents included; integrated VCT centers, confidential testing, appointing medical doctors as counselors, and face-to face disclosure of VCT results.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, the promotion of discussion between couples about HIV and VCT through intense IEC activities as well as involving marriage agencies to encourage such discussion is recommended.
The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 20(1) 2006: 18-23
Objectives: To assess the utilization and determinants of pre-marital HIV testing in civil marriages taking place at the Addis Ababa City Hall Marriage Licensing Center.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was made on men and women at their civil marriage ceremonies. Interviews were conducted on a one-to-one basis, and a separate analysis was performed for each sex.
Results: Out of the 640 individuals (320 males and 320 females) who underwent civil marriage, 55% reported having had pre-marital HIV testing. The main reason given for not having HIV testing was that the interviewees did not feel at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. Individuals of both sexes who had frank discussion as a couple about HIV were found to be more likely to have pre-marital HIV testing (adjusted ORs 10.96, 95% CI 3.7 to 33.3 for men and 7.78, 95% CI 2.86 to 20.0 for women). The VCT schemes preferred by most respondents included; integrated VCT centers, confidential testing, appointing medical doctors as counselors, and face-to face disclosure of VCT results.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, the promotion of discussion between couples about HIV and VCT through intense IEC activities as well as involving marriage agencies to encourage such discussion is recommended.
The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 20(1) 2006: 18-23
