Factors influencing the uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) service : the case of the employees of the Namibian Correctional Service at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explored the factors influencing the HIV counselling and testing (HCT) uptake amongst correctional officers deployed at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility in Rundu, Namibia. Factors investigated in this study included correctional officers' level of satisfaction with HCT service delivery, their experiences and expectations related to HCT and identify their needs and motives behind HCT utilization.A sample of 50 participants was targeted to participate in this survey through the completion of self-administered questionnaires. A total number of 31 questionnaires were returned. It was found that the majority of the respondents (74%) accessed HCT services in the past twelve months, of which 31% indicated having tested at Elizabeth Nepemba HIV Counselling and Testing Facility. The study further revealed that the majority of respondents valued HIV counseling and testing as an important component of their general health and wellbeing. Factors such as confidentiality and privacy issues, the condition of service and staff competency along with accessibility, fear of rejection from families and friends, information provision, education, future planning and risky behaviour were identified as having an influence on HIV counseling and testing uptake.The study concluded that there is a need for more awareness campaigns, information dissemination and involvement of stakeholders to address HIV-related health issues for correctional officers at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University