Determinants in HIV counselling and testing in couples in North Rift Kenya.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) has been shown to be an acceptable and effective tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Couple HIV Counselling and Testing (CHCT) however, is a relatively new concept whose acceptance and efficacy is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To describe factors that motivate couples to attend VCT as a couple. DESIGN: A cross sectional qualitative study. SETTING: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and Moi University, School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya SUBJECTS: Seventy one individuals were interviewed during KII (9) and dyad interviews (31 couples). Ten FGDs involving a total of 109 individuals were held. RESULTS: Cultural practices, lack of CHCT awareness, stigma and fear of results deter CHCT utilisation. Location of centre where it is unlikely to be associated with HIV testing, qualified professional staff and minimal waiting times would enhance CHCT utilisation. CONCLUSIONS: CHCT as a tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS in this region of Kenya is feasible as the factors that would deter couples are not insurmountable.