Factors Affecting utilization of HIV counselling and testing services among youth in Rwanda: secondary analysis of 2014/2015 DHS”

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Worldwide, youth aged 15–24 years are at a high risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition and need specifically to be reached by HIV prevention interventions. Among key strategies towards HIV prevention in Rwanda, the Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) is identified as one of the most important interventions. In order to support the use this important strategy, key factors that contribute to VCT uptake were investigated. The aim of this study is to assess the utilization of VCT services among youth (15-24 years) in Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional study design using RDHS 2014/2015 data set was used. Data analysis was done using Stata version 13. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of VCT uptake. Association with p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The findings revealed that VCT uptake was higher among female youth (72%) than male youth (61%). VCT uptake was found to be significantly associated to the older (20-24) age group (OR=3.16; 95% CI= 2.71–3.68), higher education level (OR= 2.40; 95 % CI= 1.99–2.89), residence in rural area (OR=0.68; 95% CI= 0.55-0.84 ), exposure to mass media at least once a week, having a comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS (OR = 1.59; 95% CI=1.19–2.14 ), and age at first sexual intercourse (OR=10.93; 95% CI = 6.77-17.66 ).The VCT uptake decreases with the increase level of the stigma. Conclusion: VCT uptake among youth in Rwanda is somehow encouraging with 72% among female and 61% among male. The major factors identified for increased VCT service utilization were the older age group (20-24 years), having achieved secondary or higher education level, location of residence, having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS and late sexual relations (after 15 years old). Therefore, actions are needed to effectively enhance youth knowledge on HIV prevention and VCT services tailored to the specific needs of adolescents. Keywords: VCT uptake, HIV, youth.