Barriers and enablers to acceptance of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services by youth males

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is considered an important component of theSouth African government's response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Despite of this, thenumbers of South Africans who have accessed VCT remains low. Pregnant women inantenatal clinics remain the primary recipients of HIV testing since it is routinely offeredto them at antenatal clinics. Figures from antenatal clinics constitute the most importantsource of HIV/AIDS statistics in South Africa. Targeting women at antenatal clinicsperpetuate the stereotypes that women are solely responsible for reproductive healthissues or, that they are to be blame for the mounting HIV infections. These beliefsexacerbate the culminating violence against women.According to observation, active involvement of male youth in reproductive health at theRosedale Clinic situated in Uitenhage, a town in the Eastern Cape, appears to be verylimited. This might be as a result of traditional beliefs declaring reproductive health aprimarily female domain. Active involvement of males in reproductive health isconsidered to have positive health outcomes both for themselves, and their partners. Thepurpose of this study is thus to encourage males served by the Rosedale clinic to becomemore actively involved in one aspect of reproductive health, namely voluntary counselingand testing (VCT). The study aims to find out which factors constitute barriers andenablers to VCT acceptance by male youth.Semi-structured, face-to- face interviews were conducted in September 2006 witheighteen males, 18 to 25 years, to determine from their perspective what constitutebarriers and enablers to HIV test acceptance by males. These participants were recruitedfrom two well-known rugby clubs in Uitenhage, located in the Eastern Cape. In addition,a focus group discussion was conducted with four males recruited at a graduatedevelopment programme hosted in Uitenhage in order to explore common themesemerging from interviews and the discussion. A pervasive, psychologically rooted fear; and possible low perception of risk emergefrom this study as main barriers to HIV testing. Negative perceptions regarding servicedelivery in the public health sector constitute another barrier to HIV testing. Thepossibility of teasing, a common phenomenon amongst rugby players but not exclusive tothem, exacerbates peer pressure thus possibly contributing to low levels of HIV testacceptance among these males. Increased HIV test acceptance is associated withincreased opportunities of exposure to HIV testing opportunities, for example atawareness campaigns. Access to medical aid and income is also associated with anincreased likelihood of HIV testing since most males prefer accessing HIV testingservices in the private sector. Convenience and ease of access to HIV testing services areimportant when these males consider going for HIV testing.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University