Healthcare Workers Factors Contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration in Primary Healthcare Facilities of Homa Bay County, Western Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: HIV Testing Service Integration refers to the process of embedding HIV testing and related services into the existing healthcare systems and other service delivery platforms. This approach ensures HIV testing is not provided in isolation but as part of a comprehensive package of health services. The goal of HIV Testing Service Integration is to make testing accessible, convenient and non-stigmatizing, while also improving efficiency and overall healthcare delivery focused at improving patient outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine Healthcare Workers (HCWs) factors contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration in Primary Healthcare Facilities of Homa Bay County in Western Kenya. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 60 Healthcare Workers picked from four health facilities that were purposively selected. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 software. Results: Healthcare Worker’s age (25-35 years) was significantly associated with HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=1.22-1.68, p-value=0.001). Female Healthcare Workers were found to be statistically significant in contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=1.24-2.03, p-value=0.002). Additionally, nursing cadre (95%CI=0.95-4.05, p-value=0.003) and Healthcare Workers training on HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=5.39-5.84, p-value=0.025) were found to be statistically significant in contributing towards HIV Testing Service Integration. Out of 60 Healthcare Workers, 40% cited workload as a hinderance to HIV Testing Service Integration and 75% agreed that integrating HIV Testing services into primary healthcare was a noble idea. Lastly, the perception of Healthcare Workers on HIV Testing Service Integration was statistically significant in contributing towards HIV Testing Service Integration (95%CI=1.47-1.84, p-value=0.014). Conclusion: This study showed Healthcare Workers’ age, gender, cadre and training on HIV Testing Service Integration as factors contributing to HIV Testing Service Integration within Primary Healthcare facilities of Homa Bay County. Hence, the need to scale up training of Healthcare Workers on HIV Testing Service Integration to ensure program sustainability during this period of donor dwindling support including conducting further study to determine the community, patient-related and structural factors that could be influencing HIV Testing Service Integration.