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    Barriers to Accessibility and Utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling Services in Tanzania: Experience from Angaza Zaidi Programme

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    Research article (521.2Kb)
    Publication Date
    4/14/2016
    Authors
    Meremo, Alfred
    Mboya, Beati
    Ngilangwa, David
    Dulle, Robert
    Tarimo, Edith
    Urassa, David
    Michael, Emillian
    Gibore, Nyasiro
    Mpondo, Bonaventura
    Mchonde, Gabriel
    Ernest, Alex
    Noronha, Rita
    Ilako, Festus
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    (13 total)
    Type
    Article, Journal
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    Citation

    Alfred Meremo et al. Barriers to accessibility and utilization of HIV testing and counseling services in Tanzania: experience from Angaza Zaidi programme. Pan African Medical Journal. 2016;23:189. [doi: 10.11604/pamj.2016.23.189.5683]

    Abstract/Overview

    Introduction: While HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services remain to be amongst the effective strategies in slowing HIV transmission, its accessibility and uptake in Tanzania is low. In 2011, 50% of adults have been ever tested and received their results. We conducted this study to assess barriers to accessibility and utilization of HTC services in Tanzania. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected in in 9 regions of Tanzania in 2012. Twelve (12) in-depth interviews, 8 Focus Group Discussions and 422 clients were approached for data collection. Quantitative data were entered and analysed using SPSS, proportions were compared using chi-square test. Qualitative data, content analysis approach was used. Results: Overall 422 exit clients were enrolled into the study, 4.9% clients reported spending >2 hours at the HTC centre before they were attended (p<0.0001). Of the 422 clients in our study 5.7 % received HIV testing before getting HIV counseling (p=0.0001). Of those clients who received counseling, 21.8% of reported counseling to be done in a group (p=0.0001). Majority of study participants reported that the counselling sessions were private, with sufficient information, and interactive (p<0.0001). Mobile services clinics, the Post Test Clubs and couple counselling and testing were effective approaches in stimulating demand for and use of HTC services. Conclusion: Findings show that coverage of HTC was high, however long waiting time and lack of confidentiality impeded its accessibility and utilization. We recommend increase of staff and adherence to counselling ethics to safeguard clients' privacy.

    Subject/Keywords
    Barriers; HIV testing; Counseling; Tanzania
    Further Details

    © Alfred Meremo et al. The Pan African Medical Journal - ISSN 1937-8688. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

    Publisher
    Pan African Medical Journal
    ISSN
    1937-8688
    Permalink
    http://repository.amref.org/handle/123456789/145
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    • General - GEN [355]

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