Students Perceptions Towards Voluntary Counselling and Testing in Tertiary Educational Institutions: A study of Kitwe College of Education (KCE)
Date
2018
Authors
Mwacalimba, Laika
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Early testing for HIV/AIDS offers many benefits for young people in many countries. The study
employed Kitwe University College of education students at Kitwe district. A survey design
supporting quantitative and qualitative (mixed method) data collection was used. Convenience
sampling was used to pick the respondents. The sample size was 100 respondents. The data
was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Processing of data was carried out using
the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 20) get descriptive statistics.
Qualitative data from open ended questions was analyzed using, thematic analysis technique
and presented descriptively. Verbatism were used in the presentation of qualitative findings.
Data from KCE campus revealed that students showed understanding of the scourge of
HIV/AIDS, with VCT clearly identified as a key entry point for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and
support. Seventy nine percent (79%) of students indicated awareness of the availability of oncampus
VCT services. The study revealed mixed reactions with regard to studentsā perceptions
towards VCT service with a slight majority of 52% viewing VCT in a positive light and 45%
having a negative outlook.
The study revealed that uptake of on-campus VCT services was low and in order to see an
increase in the uptake of on-campus VCT services, an improvement in privacy and
confidentiality was key. In the opinion of students, the highest consideration with regard to
improving privacy and confidentiality appeared to be the calibre and experience of VCT
counsellors. The study also identified that continued sensitisation and communication was
necessary to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Finally, the study revealed that even though students have high group risk perception, they
generally exhibited a low perception of self-risk despite a clear trend of engagement in risky
sexual behaviour that exposes them to HIV. As such VCT utilization by the students is still quite
a challenge and there remains an urgent need for a review the information disseminated,
counselling and testing strategies so as to effectively reach the youth who still remain vulnerable
to the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Voluntary testing--HIV--Tertiary education