Study to determine factors affecting utilization of VCT services by pre-service trainee Nurses in Zambia
Date
2012-08-13
Authors
Sikateyo, Chilufya Chansa Theresa
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Abstract
This is a cross sectional study which focused on establishing the extent to which pre-service trainee nurses apply knowledge and competencies on HIV and AIDS in the utilisation of VCT services in Zambia. A number of studies on HIV and AIDS and utilization of VCT services have been done on women attending antenatal services and on adolescents in basic and higher institutions of learning. However there is no documented evidence that similar studies have been conducted among pre-service trainee nurses who are not only adolescents but are care givers as well.Multistage sampling technique was used. Pre-service training institutions were put into two clusters of pre-service enrolled nursing and pre-service registered nursing and three (3) institutions from each cluster were conveniently selected for the study. Study units from the selected pre-service institutions were then sampled using systematic random sampling technique. Results from this study reveal low utilisation of VCT as only 35.5% of pre-service registered trainee nurses and 36.2% of pre-service enrolled trainee nurses underwent VCT. Results also revealed early initiation of sex by pre-service trainee nurses and 16.4% for registered and 12.8% for enrolled pre-service trainee nurses had needle stick injuries. Results however revealed that pre-service trainee nurses were knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS including VCT. The study results also revealed that lack of privacy and confidentiality were some of the factors mentioned by pre-service trainee nurses for not undergoing VCT. Other results from this study indicate that most trainee nurses reported that their training institutions did not have HIV and AIDS policy in place and that there were no extra curricular activities like anti AIDS club and youth friendly services which would enhance peer education. The study further reveals that a significant association existed between discussing dangers and effects of HIV and AIDS and undergoing VCT among pre-service registered trainee nurses. Results observed from the study also indicate that a significant relationship existed between abstaining and undergoing VCT among pre-service enrolled nurses.It can be concluded from this study that low utilisation of VCT by pre-service frainee nurses hence there is need for the GNC to work with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to develop strategies for enhancing utilisation of VCT.
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VCT -Zambia , HIV/AIDS-Zambia