Motives, sexual behaviour, and risk factors associated with HIV in individuals seeking voluntary counselling and testing in a rural district of Malawi.
A study was conducted among individuals seeking voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) in order to (a) describe their motives and source(s) of information, (b) describe their sexual behaviour; and (c) identify risk factors associated with HIV infection. Of 723 individuals who sought VCT, the most common reason (50%) was recent knowledge of HIV/AIDS and a desire to know their HIV status. The majority (77%) underwent VCT after being encouraged by others who knew their status. Ninety five per cent reported sexual encounters, with 337 (49%) engaging in unprotected sex. HIV prevalence was 31% and an HIV-positive status was associated with being female, being over 25 years of age and/or being a farmer. There is a demand for VCT, and the service provides an opportunity for intensive education about HIV/AIDS prevention on a one-to-one basis. It could also be an entry point to prevention and care for those who are infected.
| Item Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Adult, Female, HIV Infections, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Interviews, Malawi, Male, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Risk Factors, Rural Health, Sexual Behavior, Adult, Female, HIV Infections, diagnosis, psychology, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Interviews, Malawi, Male, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, psychology, Risk Factors, Rural Health, Sexual Behavior |
| ISI | 181893700009 |