Utilization rate and factors influencing the use of HIV counseling and testing services among young females: a community-based study from Nigeria

Babatunde Abiodun Amoo; David Magbagbeola Dairo; Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi; Semeeh Akinwale Omoleke

doi:10.1515/ijamh-2019-0235

Utilization rate and factors influencing the use of HIV counseling and testing services among young females: a community-based study from Nigeria

Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2020 Jun 10;33(6):511-521. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2019-0235.

Authors

Babatunde Abiodun Amoo^{1

2}, David Magbagbeola Dairo¹, Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi^{2

3

4

5}, Semeeh Akinwale Omoleke⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
² Cephas Health Research Initiative Inc, Ibadan, Nigeria.
³ Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution Program, Department of Political Science, National Open University of Nigeria, Kebbi Study Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.
⁴ National Teachers' Institute, Kebbi Study Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.
⁵ Healthy Mind Program, Mental and Oral Health Development Organization Inc, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.
⁶ World Health Organization Kebbi State Field Office, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria.

PMID: 32543449
DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2019-0235

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to explore the utilization rate and factors influencing the use of HCT services among young females in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 404 females, aged 15-24 years, residing in Ikorodu, Nigeria. Study tool was a questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 16 software.

Results: The mean age (±SD) of the respondents was 19.3 (±2.6) years and 90.1% were single. Only 148 (36.6%) respondents had ever utilized the HCT service, of which only 40.5% of them were adolescents. Amongst those that had ever utilized HCT services (n=148), only 60.1% of them did so within 12 months prior to the study while only 33.8% of them initiated the demand for testing themselves. According to the respondents, the top two barriers to the utilization of HCT services were: fear of discrimination (82.9%); and fear of unavailability of access to treatment (68.0%), while the top two factors that facilitates its use were: the adoption of counseling-before-testing approach in the HCT service centers (85.9%); and peoples' need for HIV status declaration prior to getting a job employment/marriage partner (85.1%).

Conclusions: The study shows that utilization of HCT service remains low among the respondents. There is an urgent need to encourage the utilization of HCT services among young females in Ikorodu, Nigeria.

Keywords: HIV; Nigeria; counseling & testing; services; utilization; youth.