A peer-led HIV counselling and testing programme for the deaf in Kenya

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• HIV/AIDS Research
• Health Services for the Deaf

Background:

• Limited access to healthcare and information for deaf populations, particularly regarding sexual health.
• High HIV prevalence globally, with specific vulnerabilities in underserved communities.
• The need for culturally and linguistically appropriate health services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate the first Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services specifically designed for deaf individuals in Africa.
• To assess the program's establishment and operational effectiveness.
• To compare the characteristics and health risks of deaf VCT clients with their hearing counterparts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized operational research methods to document the establishment of VCT services for the deaf.
• Compared demographics, HIV risk factors, and HIV test results between deaf and hearing VCT clients.
• Employed univariate and multivariate statistical analyses for data interpretation.

Main Results:

• Over two years (2004-2005), 1709 deaf and 1649 hearing clients utilized VCT services at three dedicated sites.
• Peer education was the primary method through which deaf clients learned about the services.
• Deaf VCT clients exhibited similar HIV sexual transmission risks and a 7% HIV prevalence, comparable to the national rate (6.7%).

Conclusions:

• Deaf individuals in Kenya are at significant risk of HIV infection.
• There is an urgent requirement for accessible, deaf-friendly HIV services.
• Peer education programs are essential complements to these specialized VCT services for the deaf community.