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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Perceived acceptability of home-based couples voluntary HIV counseling and testing in Northern Tanzania
AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV, Volume 24, No. 4, Year 2012
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Description
It is estimated that 5.6% of the Tanzanian population ages 15-49 are infected with HIV, but only 30% of adults have ever had an HIV test. Couples' testing has proven to increase testing coverage and introduce HIV prevention, but barriers include access to testing services and unequal gender dynamics in relationships. Innovative approaches are needed to address barriers to couple's testing and increase uptake of HIV testing. Using qualitative data collection methods, a formative study was conducted to assess the acceptability of a home-based couples counseling and testing (HBCCT) approach. Eligible study participants included married men and women, HIV-infected individuals, health care and home-based care providers, voluntary counseling and testing counselors, and community leaders. A total of 91 individuals participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews conducted between September 2009 and January 2010 in rural settings in Northern Tanzania. An HBCCT intervention appears to be broadly acceptable among participants. Benefits of HBCCT were identified in terms of access, confidentiality, and strengthening the relationship. Fears of negative consequences from knowing one's HIV status, including stigma, blame, physical abuse, or divorce, remain a concern and a potential barrier to the successful provision of the intervention. Lessons for implementation highlighted the importance of appointments for home visits, building relationships of confidence and trust between counselors and clients, and assessing and responding to a couple's readiness to undergo HIV testing. HBCCT should addresses HIV stigma, emphasize confidentiality, and improve communication skills for disclosure and decision-making among couples. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Authors & Co-Authors
Njau, Bernard Joseph
Tanzania, Moshi
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Tanzania, Moshi
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
Watt, Melissa Harper
United States, Durham
Duke University
Ostermann, Jan
United States, Durham
Duke University
Manongi, Rachel N.
Tanzania, Moshi
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
Tanzania, Moshi
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
Sikkema, Kathleen J.
United States, Durham
Duke University
Statistics
Citations: 62
Authors: 5
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1080/09540121.2011.608796
ISSN:
09540121
e-ISSN:
13600451
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Violence And Injury
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial
Cross Sectional Study
Exploratory Study
Grounded Theory
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Tanzania
Participants Gender
Male
Female