Knowledge, attitude and practice of HIV self-testing among the youth in Katabi Sub-county in Wakiso District

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of HIVST among the youth of Katabi Sub County. The target population of the study was the youth both males and females of Katabi sub county and a sample of 73 youth was selected using purposive sampling and interviewed using the questionnaire and interview method The data collected was entered into excel and imported into STATA version 15.0 where the analysis was carried out to investigate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Descriptive statistics namely frequency counts, percentages, pie charts and bar graphs were used to analyze demographic characteristics of respondents and their opinions about HIV self-testing in Katabi sub county. The chi square test was also employed to determine the relationship between the independent variable and the outcome variable. The independent variables marital status and age that were found to have a significant relationship with HIVST were subjected to logistic regression for further analysis Results from the analysis indicated that the youth in Katabi Sub County were knowledgeable about HIVST and had positive attitudes towards HIVST however; a few of them had ever practiced HIVST. In conclusion, the study found out that there were gaps in the practice of HIVST among the youth in Katabi Sub County which should be addressed through extending HIV self-test kits to places where youth can easily access them and also carrying out further research to determine the appropriate youth friendly models that can be used to distribute the kits. The negative attitudes that were also addressed by the youth of Katabi Sub County indicated need of increasing sensitization, educating and thoroughly guiding the youth on the use and procedures followed during HIV self-testing.