Determinants of the uptake of voluntary counselling and testing services among kenyan youth aged 15 to 35 years in Dagoretti South Constituency In Nairobi County, Kenya

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.