Perceptions of Men With Regard To Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Voluntary Counselling and Testing, Windhoek
Journal Title: IOSR Journal of Nursing and health Science - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 3
Abstract
The paper presents findings of a study on perceptions of men with regard to the testing of HIV and AIDS. It reflects factors contributing to the low statistics of men accessing the HIV and AIDS testing services. The aim of the study was to explore and describe perceptions of men with regard to HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in Windhoek. The objectives of the study were twofold; to explore and describe the perceptions of men with respect to HIV voluntary counselling and testing and provide recommendations with regard to VCT based on the perceptions of men. The study applied a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design and data was collected through face-toface, semi-structured interviews. The population comprised all men aged 18 years and older who were visiting the state health facilities in Windhoek to seek any health services during the data collection period and who were able to speak either English or Oshiwambo. Two clinics, one hospital, and a health center were purposively selected for sampling purposes; namely the Katutura Hospital, Katutura Health Centre, as well as the Robert Mugabe and Okuryangava Clinics. The health facilities were selected due to their location and volume of patients. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The interviews were voice recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by using Tesch’s approach to data analysis. The findings showed that men’s outlook on VCT was earnest and appreciable and is needed in the prevention and control of HIV. However, factors such as, cultural beliefs, fear of positive results, stigmatization, and masculinity influence men’s uptake on HIV voluntary counselling and testing, which could have negative effects on the HIV prevention and treatment programmes. Key recommendations from this study include the introduction of measures that would reduce the fear of stigma, persistent efforts to encourage HIV counselling and testing among men, and formulation of strategies that can address the needs of men in order to attract the attention of men to HIV testing services. Furthermore, a complete review of the approach to pre and post counselling was recommended to be conducted in such a way that clients would not fear the onset of depression.
Authors and Affiliations
Shipanga Victoria K, Nauiseb Taimi, Kloppers Joan M
Keywords
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- EP ID EP435996
- DOI 10.9790/1959-0703035459.
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