Factors Associated with Poor Uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing amongst Adult Men at Health Facilities in Rustenburg Sub-district, South Africa

Abstract

Background: HIV counselling and testing (HCT) is one of the ways of reducing the prevalence of HIV infection and ensuring that infected individuals receive appropriate care. Unfortunately, the uptake of HCT amongst males, aged 15 to 49 years remains low. Aim: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing low uptake of HCT amongst males between the ages of 15 and 49 in the health care facilities of Rustenburg. Methods: It is a cross-sectional descriptive study among 15- and 49-years males who visited 19 health facilities within Rustenburg using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Four hundred and forty (440) males (15-49 years) took part in the study with a response rate of 98%. Of this total, 39 (9%) had never been tested for HIV. Most (79.1%) of participants undertook HIV testing for health reasons. The results indicated that differences in age (males aged between 40 and 49 years) and employment status (employed men) translated to differences in the likelihood of one being tested and these two variables (age and employment status) were associated with knowledge as a factor in the acceptance and usage of HCT services. Knowledge about HCT services was significantly associated with acceptability and usage of HCT services (P<0.05). Conclusion: Participants aged between 15 and 29 years were less likely to undergo HIV testing than other age groups. There is a need to encourage young people to undertake HIV testing since they are the most vulnerable age group.