KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS VOLUNTARY HIV/AIDS TESTING AND COUNSELING AMONG COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF KASOZI VILLAGE, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Sub-Saharan African countries suggest that knowledge of HIV/AIDS status after testing empowers patients to make decisions to use medicine, particularly among individuals who might have contracted the disease unknowingly. The study aims to assess the Knowledge, attitude, and perceptions towards voluntary HIV/AIDS testing and counseling among community members of Kasozi village, Wakiso district.

 Methodology

This study adopted a cross-sectional study design using a quantitative research approach. A random sampling technique was used to select participants 30-50 respondents. The study included both males and females willing to participate, mentally and physically capable.

 Results

Majority 28(93.3%) had information about sex education while 2(6.7%) were lacking. 27 (90.0%) knew the importance of testing for HIV while the minority 3(10.0%) didn't know. The majority 28(93.3%) supported that discrimination against HIV-positive youth could cause dropping out of school for the victim while 2(6.7%) didn't support it. 27(90.0%) agreed that their culture/and religion supported them to go for voluntary HIV/AIDs testing and counseling 3 (10.0%) disagreed. 17(56.7%) felt powerless to negotiate safer sex with their partners while the minority 13(43.3%) did not. The majority 10 (58.8%) did HIV AIDs testing and counseling for a period above three months while the minority 2(6.7%) did it every month. 27(90%) of the women didn’t ask their husbands to use condoms whereas a minority 3(10%) of them asked their husbands to use condoms. 15(50.0%) were single while minority 4(13.3%) were divorced.

 Conclusion

Respondents had good knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor perceptions towards HIV/AIDs voluntary testing and counseling. This makes the fight against HIV difficult since Knowledge, attitude influence the practice and lifestyle of communities.

 Recommendation

The government through the Ministry of Health should construct and extend reproductive health services not only to the institutions but also to different areas of the country.