Utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling Services by Men in the Bolgatanga Municipality

Abstract

Background: In the absence of an effective vaccine and cure for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), testing and counseling for HIV remains an important intervention in the control of the infection. However, utilization of this service in Ghana is very low especially among men. This study assessed the utilization of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) and the associated reasons for use or non-use of the service among men in the Bolgatanga Municipality. Methods: The study was a population-based cross-sectional survey. A total of 610 men, aged 18–59 years residing in Bolgatanga Municipality were randomly selected using a modified WHO cluster sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire through home visits over a period of three weeks. Associations between the outcomes and each of the explanatory variables were assessed using bivariate Chi squares test. A p-value less than 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. Results: Majority of the respondents (99.3%) knew of a test that could identify HIV in an individual; however, 63.6% felt they were at no risk/low risk of being infected with HIV. About 89.8% of those who had heard of HIV test could locate at least one testing centre. Radio/television was the most frequent (68.4%) source of information. Only 27.7% of the respondents had ever tested for HIV of which 99.4% of them had received their test results. The annual HIV testing rates among the sampled men was 7.7%. Reasons given by respondents for use or non-use of testing and counseling services span socio-cultural and health service-related reasons, and personal beliefs. Educational and employment statuses of respondents were found to be associated with the utilization of HIV testing and counseling services (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Utilization of HIV testing and counseling services by men in Bolgatanga Municipality is low. Low perception of HIV risk, fear of stigma, and false positive results were the key reasons for not being tested.