“To know or not to know”: Service-related barriers to Voiuntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) in South Africa

Abstract

Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT) is still in its infancy in South Africa, and although the necessary infrastructure in terms of clinics and hospitals exists, a VCT culture is not yet established in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the needs, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of South Africans towards VCT, and to investigate possible barriers affecting participation in VCT programs in South Africa. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey the views of 1422 people. Results indicate that while subjects were not opposed to VCT in principle, 33% would go to clinics where nobody would know them. The following problems with VCT services were mentioned: Logistical problems (not enough counsellors, long lines, lack of privacy); no trust in the health care system or fearing a breach of confidentiality; fear of rejection; and a lack of follow-up support after diagnosis. Suggestions are made on how to improve VCT services in South Africa.

Determinants In HIV Counselling And Testing In Couples In North Rift Kenya

“…Home testing and hidden location of centres are suggestions meant to address the issue of stigma. Similar sentiments have been found by Laver (11) and van Dyk and van Dyk (16).…”

“…Preferably the staff should be of the age group of the potential clients and if possible be PL WHA to make it easy for relating during the facility visit. Similar sentiments have been documented by van Dyk and van Dyk (16). Despite all efforts over the years there is still a lot of real or perceived stigma against HIV / AIDS.…”

Experiences and Support Needs of Poverty-Stricken People Living With HIV in the Potchefstroom District in South Africa

“…As was stated in the introduction, registered nurses are expected to fulfill the supervising role in HIV and AIDS support services (Van Dyk, 2003b). Therefore, these guidelines are to be implemented and supervised by registered nurses, who should form the backbone of the support system.…”

“…They mention that once there is a clearer understanding of how South Africans experience living with HIV, counselors, nurses, and other health care workers will be better equipped to meet the needs of these people (Coetzee & Spangenberg, 2003). Van Dyk (2003b) states that nurses will be expected to form the backbone of the HIV and AIDS support services; their role will be to supervise community health care workers and to make relevant referrals when needed. This statement is supported by Uys (2002), who reported that community caregivers such as voluntary lay counselors have proven themselves effective and efficient under the supervision of registered nurses.…”

Social Marketing Strategy of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) HIV-AIDS in Indonesia

“…The majority of quantitative studies have identified stigma and discrimination [9]; perceived low risk of HIV infection [15]; perceived lack of confidentiality [21]; and distance to testing sites [11] as barriers to uptake of HIV testing. Qualitative studies have also been conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that additionally highlighted social dynamics influencing uptake of HIV testing [13].…”