ASSESSMENT ON ACCEPTABILITY OF PROVIDER INITIATED HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING AMONG TB PATIENTS IN ZEWDITU MEMORIAL AND St. PETER HOSPITALS

Abstract

Increased access to HIV testing and counseling is essential to promoting earlier diagnosis of HIV infection, which in turn can maximize the potential benefits of lifeextending treatment and care, and allow people with HIV to receive information and tools to prevent HIV transmission to others. Objective: This study was conducted in March and April 2009 to assess acceptability of provider initiated HIV testing and counseling and associated factors among patients in TB clinic in Addis Ababa. Methodology: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted and 178 patients were interviewed. Only two patients refused. To validate the data 15 patients were interviewed and the same result was obtained. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted to find out the reasons for the high acceptance of PITC. Results: All patients were initiated HIV testing and Counseling by the health providers. Among 193 patients to whom HIV testing and counseling were initiated only three patients did not accept the test. In depth qualitative interview reveled that all patients accepted the test. PITC trainings, facility level implementation action plans, contextual plans based on site staff adequacy, infrastructure, system and coordination, integrated with other health topics and increased awareness of patients could be the reasons for the high acceptance rate. Conclusion and recommendation: Almost universal acceptance of HIV testing and counseling is achieved in health facilities. In order to maintain the same level PITC must be strengthened and expanded in all facilities at all levels.