Factors influencing HIV counselling and testing uptake among corps members in Osun State, Nigeria

The prevalence of HIV infection among Nigerian youths has been persistently high and HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) is a major intervention that can help to reduce the transmission of HIV. This study was carried out to determine the uptake of HCT and identify the factors affecting the uptake among National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Osun State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional analytical design. A pre-tested, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 1000 corps members who were recruited by systematic random sampling at the NYSC orientation camp Osun State. Factors affecting HCT uptake were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis, confidence intervals and odd ratios. The results showed that 59.0% of the respondents had HCT while 41.0% had never accessed HCT before. The factors influencing uptake among the respondents were risk perception (p = 0.002) and partner’s screening status (p < 0.001). HCT uptake among the respondents was fair. Personal and partner factors predicted HCT uptake. Health education to make people appreciate their risk of HIV and importance of HCT should be intensified.