Abstract:
Background: Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services play a crucial role in
the management and prevention of the spread of HIV. Despite this important role, its
uptake remains low in various parts of the Country, including Dagoretti South
Constituency, located in Nairobi City County. The limited information about the
determinants of uptake of VCT services in Dagoretti South Constituency prompted the
need to conduct a study to document the underlying factors influencing uptake of VCT
services among the youths aged 15-35 years.
Objective: To assess the uptake of VCT services, describe the socio-demographic
characteristics, determine psychological factors that affect the perception and use of
HIV counseling and testing services among youths aged 15-35 years attending health
facilities in Dagoretti South Constituency.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used involving 329
respondents were involved in this study. Mult-stage sampling procedure was used to
select both the facilities and individual participants. Data was collected using interview - administered questionnaires. Descriptive data were analyzed using measures of central
tendency and dispersion. Chi -square to assess the association between exposure and
uptake of HIV testing services with p-value < 0.05 being considered significant.
Results: At least 216 (67.3%) had utilized VCT services. Age (ꭓ2=12.166; p=0.007),
gender (ꭓ2=6.447; p=0.011), marital status (ꭓ2=4.901; p=0.027), social life influences
HIV testing decisions (ꭓ2=5.141; p=0.047), awareness of any VCT Centre nearby
(ꭓ2=5.570; p=0.018), were significantly associated with utilization of VCT services.
Conclusion: The findings revealed high VCT uptake driven by accessibility, service
quality, and social support
Recommendations: The study recommends that both male and female youths aged 15
35 years should be encouraged through strategic campaigns to undertake VCT test.
Both local and national Government should work hand-in-hand with other non-state
actors dealing with HIV and HTC to continuously train VCT Counsellors and
healthcare providers to enhance their knowledge on HTC. Families and peers should be
encouraged to motivate each other to undertake VCT services.
