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[Return for HIV test results after voluntary screening in Cameroon]
Sante Publique (Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France)
|August 18, 2016
Summary
Understanding HIV test results is crucial for health. In Cameroon, individuals see many benefits to returning for their HIV test results, outweighing perceived barriers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Voluntary HIV testing and counselling (VTC) is a key strategy for HIV prevention and care.
- Understanding factors influencing return for test results is essential for effective VTC programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes influencing the return for test results after voluntary HIV testing.
- To explore factors affecting return for HIV test results in Douala, Cameroon.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews (N=33).
- Utilized the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework.
- Conducted in six district hospitals in Douala, Cameroon.
Main Results:
- Participants identified advantages (e.g., knowing health status, accessing treatment) and disadvantages (e.g., fear of positive results) for returning.
- Social influences (family, friends) and personal factors (career project) impacted return decisions.
- Lack of time was a noted barrier, while perceived benefits and facilitators were also identified.
Conclusions:
- Individuals undergoing voluntary HIV testing in Douala perceive significant advantages to knowing their status.
- Few disadvantages and barriers were reported, suggesting a positive outlook towards result retrieval.
- Organizational factors and post-test counselling require attention to improve return rates for HIV test results.
