Correlates of previous couples’ HIV counseling and testing uptake among married individuals in three HIV prevalence strata in Rakai, Uganda
نویسندگان
چکیده
Background Studies show that uptake of couples' HIV counseling and testing (couples' HCT) can be affected by individual, relationship, and socioeconomic factors. However, while couples' HCT uptake can also be affected by background HIV prevalence and awareness of the existence of couples' HCT services, this is yet to be documented. We explored the correlates of previous couples' HCT uptake among married individuals in a rural Ugandan district with differing HIV prevalence levels. Design This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 2,135 married individuals resident in the three HIV prevalence strata (low HIV prevalence: 9.7-11.2%; middle HIV prevalence: 11.4-16.4%; and high HIV prevalence: 20.5-43%) in Rakai district, southwestern Uganda, between November 2013 and February 2014. Data were collected on sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, including previous receipt of couples' HCT. HIV testing data were obtained from the Rakai Community Cohort Study. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify correlates that are independently associated with previous receipt of couples' HCT. Data analysis was conducted using STATA (statistical software, version 11.2). Results Of the 2,135 married individuals enrolled, the majority (n=1,783, 83.5%) had been married for five or more years while (n=1,460, 66%) were in the first-order of marriage. Ever receipt of HCT was almost universal (n=2,020, 95%); of those ever tested, (n=846, 41.9%) reported that they had ever received couples' HCT. There was no significant difference in previous receipt of couples' HCT between low (n=309, 43.9%), middle (n=295, 41.7%), and high (n=242, 39.7%) HIV prevalence settings (p=0.61). Marital order was not significantly associated with previous receipt of couples' HCT. However, marital duration [five or more years vis-à-vis 1-2 years: adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.06; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04-1.08] and awareness about the existence of couples' HCT services within the Rakai community cohort (aOR: 7.58; 95% CI: 5.63-10.20) were significantly associated with previous receipt of couples' HCT. Conclusions Previous couples' HCT uptake did not significantly differ by HIV prevalence setting. Longer marital duration and awareness of the existence of couples' HCT services in the community were significantly correlated with previous receipt of couples' HCT. These findings suggest a need for innovative demand-creation interventions to raise awareness about couples' HCT service availability to improve couples' HCT uptake among married individuals.
منابع مشابه
Trends in HIV counseling and testing uptake among married individuals in Rakai, Uganda
BACKGROUND Despite efforts to promote HIV counseling and testing (HCT) among couples, few couples know their own or their partners' HIV status. We assessed trends in HCT uptake among married individuals in Rakai district, southwestern Uganda. METHODS We analysed data for 11,268 married individuals aged 15-49 years who were enrolled into the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) between 2003 and...
متن کامل“Men are always scared to test with their partners … it is like taking them to the Police”: Motivations for and barriers to couples’ HIV counselling and testing in Rakai, Uganda: a qualitative study
INTRODUCTION Uptake of couples' HIV counselling and testing (couples' HCT) can positively influence sexual risk behaviours and improve linkage to HIV care among HIV-positive couples. However, less than 30% of married couples have ever tested for HIV together with their partners. We explored the motivations for and barriers to couples' HCT among married couples in Rakai, Uganda. METHODS This w...
متن کاملEvaluation of a demand-creation intervention for couples’ HIV testing services among married or cohabiting individuals in Rakai, Uganda: a cluster-randomized intervention trial
BACKGROUND Uptake of couples' HIV counseling and testing (couples' HCT) services remains largely low in most settings. We report the effect of a demand-creation intervention trial on couples' HCT uptake among married or cohabiting individuals who had never received couples' HCT. METHODS This was a cluster-randomized intervention trial implemented in three study regions with differing HIV prev...
متن کاملPredictors of couple HIV counseling and testing among adult residents of Bukomero sub-county, Kiboga district, rural Uganda
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that couple HIV counseling and testing (CHCT) increased rates of sero-status disclosure and adoption of safer sexual behaviors with better linkage to treatment and care. However, current evidence suggests that new HIV infections are occurring among heterosexual couples in stable relationships where the majority of the individuals are not aware of their partner's se...
متن کاملHIV counseling and testing practices among clients presenting at a market HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda: a cross-sectional study
BACKGROUND Uptake of HIV counseling and testing (HCT) among informal sector workers is not well documented. OBJECTIVE To assess HCT practices among clients presenting for HIV services at a market HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS Between August 1 and September 15, 2009, clients presenting for HIV services at a market HIV clinic were invited to participate in the study. Socio-demographi...
متن کامل