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. 2012 Aug;17(8):e15-25.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02877.x.

Trends in the uptake of voluntary counselling and testing for HIV in rural Tanzania in the context of the scale up of antiretroviral therapy

Raphael Isingo  1 , Alison Wringe, Jim Todd, Mark Urassa, Doris Mbata, Griter Maiseli, Rose Manyalla, John Changalucha, Julius Mngara, Ester Mwinuka, Basia Zaba
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Trends in the uptake of voluntary counselling and testing for HIV in rural Tanzania in the context of the scale up of antiretroviral therapy

Raphael Isingo et al. Trop Med Int Health. 2012 Aug.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Objectives: To describe trends in voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) use and to assess whether high-risk and infected individuals are receiving counselling and learning their HIV status in rural Tanzania.

Methods: During two rounds of linked serological surveys (2003-2004 and 2006-2007) with anonymous HIV testing among adults, VCT was offered to all participants. The crude and adjusted odds ratios for completing VCT in each survey were calculated to compare uptake by demographic, behavioural and clinical characteristics, stratified by sex. Repeat testing patterns were also investigated.

Results: The proportion of participants completing VCT increased from 10% in 2003-2004 to 17% in 2006-2007, and among HIV-infected persons from 14% to 25%. A higher proportion of men than women completed VCT in both rounds, but the difference declined over time. Socio-demographic and behavioural factors associated with VCT completion were similar across rounds, including higher adjusted odds of VCT with increasing numbers of sexual partners in the past 12 months. The proportion having ever-completed VCT reached 26% among 2006-2007 attendees, with repeat testing rates highest among those aged 35-44 years. Among 3923 participants attending both rounds, VCT completion in 2006-2007 was 17% among 3702 who were HIV negative in both rounds, 19% among 124 who were HIV infected in both rounds and 22% among 96 who seroconverted between rounds.

Conclusion: VCT services are attracting HIV-infected and high-risk individuals. However, 2 years after the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, the overall uptake remains low. Intensive mobilisation efforts are needed to achieve regular and universal VCT use.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participation rates, and Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) interest, pre-test counselling and completion rates in the 2003/2004 and 2006/2007 surveys. **The percentage expressing interest in VCT, undergoing pre-test counselling and HIV test, and completing VCT are calculated among the individuals participating in the survey.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequency of reported and documented voluntary counselling and testing by 2006–2007, by sex, age group and residence.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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