Acceptance and utilization of HIV testing among the youth: a cross-sectional study in Techiman, Ghana

Abstract

Background: In Ghana, efforts including 'Know Your Status' campaign have been made to increase awareness and improve the uptake of HIV screening.

Objective: This study examined the acceptance and utilization of the HIV/AIDS 'Know Your Status' campaign and determine dthe differences in HIV testing by demographic characteristics among the youth in Techiman, Ghana.

Method: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted among the youth aged 15-24 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 200 purposively selected respondents.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 19.6±2.72 years. There was a universal awareness (100%) of HIV/AIDs, and were knowledgeable about the mode of transmission, symptoms and the prevention of HIV. A high proportion of the respondents (n=161, 80.5%) had heard about the 'Know Your Status' (KYS) campaign. Less than half of respondents (n=91, 45.5%) had tested for HIV, and only 16.5% (n=15/91) of respondents tested through the KYS campaign. Testing for HIV was associated with age (p<0.001) and marital status (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The youth should therefore be targeted in the awareness and the 'Know Your Status campaigns', and in an effortsto promote screening for HIV.

Keywords: Awareness; HIV/AIDS; campaign; know your status; knowledge; screening.