Facilitators of HIV self-testing among Lira University students. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/insights.v2i7.4Keywords:
Lira University, facilitators to HIV self-testing, HIV prevention, HIV self-testing stigmaAbstract
Background
HIV continues to be a significant public health concern, particularly among the young population in our communities. Determining the barriers associated with HIV self-testing is very crucial for effective HIV prevention. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the facilitators of HIV self-testing services among the students of Lira University.
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, stratified simple random sampling was used, where faculties acted as strata, and then systematic sampling was used to obtain the participants from each year of study. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires.
Results
According to the findings, 174 respondents participated in this study, 90(51.7%) were males, while 84(48.3%) were females. The age category 20-25 had 145(81.6%) respondents while 31-40 had 25(14.4%) respondents, single respondents were 154(88.5%), Year one had 92(52.9%) respondents, and Year Two had 30(17.2%) respondents, Education Faculty had 59(33.9%) respondents, and the Faculty of Management Sciences were 11(6.3%) respondents. The key facilitators to HIVST among Lira University students are: Privacy and confidentiality, 151(87.3%), Convenience and ease of use, 133(77.3%), Quick results, 138 (79.87%), and Increased control over the testing process, 130(76.55). At bivariate analysis, the study found that Privacy and confidentiality were significantly associated with HIV self-testing services among the participants cOR: 2.065; p=0.022.
Conclusion
The study found that Privacy and confidentiality were significantly associated with HIV self-testing services among the participants.
Recommendation
Promote Privacy and Confidentiality to ensure these aspects are prioritized in the design and implementation of HIV self-testing services.
References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ssemakula Peter, Dr. Marc Sam Opollo, Derick Modi, Julius Kayizzi
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