Barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among the young women aged 15-24 years of Nyimbwa Sub-county Luwero District.

Abstract

Background: There were more young women in the age group 18-24 (63%), and majority were not married (83%). There is limited data concerning HIV testing rates among young women aged 15-24 years. This study therefore aims to carry out qualitative research to explore the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing services among young women in Nyimbwa sub county Luwero district. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study design was employed to explore the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing services conducting a focused group discussion among young women in Nyimbwa subcounty. Qualitative data was collected using a focused group discussion guide. It consisted of two sections that is section A, about the socio-demographics and section B with questions about the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing which had been modified by the authors to suite the research questions and objectives of the study. Results: There were more young women in the age group 18-24 (63%), and majority were not married (83%). Three sub-themes emerged (individual level, community and health system levels) under the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing services. Individual barriers included, fear of testing HIV positive, perceived low risk of HIV infection, trusting partner‟s HIV negative results and anticipated stigma. Health system barriers included, inaccessibility to health facilities, HIV test kit stockouts and cost of HIV test. Individual facilitators to HIV included; knowledge of the benefits of early HIV testing, susceptibility to HIV infection and desire to know ones HIV status. Community facilitators include: peer support and media influence and health facilitators included; Free HIV testing services and HIV testing service outreach. Conclusion: HIV testing service among young women is a public health concern. A multilevel intervention is very crucial in improving HIV testing uptake. Health facilities should be continuously empowered to carry out clinic outreach which would increase HIV testing uptake by addressing distance and transport barriers. Prevention of leaking client‟s HIV test results should be emphasized among HIV service providers by observing client‟s rights as well as improving Health worker-client‟s relationship.