Background:One of
the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in Nigeria
is Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT). However, its utilization among
young adults, particularly undergraduates, is very low. The aim of the present
study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of non-uptake of VCT among
undergraduates. Methods: A cross sectional study using quantitative
methods was conducted. Using simple random sampling, three faculties were
selected out of nine and 422 respondents were selected from three faculties.
Interviews were conducted using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data
analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences version 20.
Prevalence was measured by the percentage of respondents that had never used
VCT. Analytical statistics were done using chi-square test to measure strength
of association between VCT uptake and knowledge and attitude of respondents.
Association with P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of non-uptake of
VCT. The associations were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence
intervals. Results: Overall, 59.3% of respondents were knowledgeable about
VCT while majority, 64.7% had negative attitude towards it. Knowledge (X2 = 9.89, P-value < 0.001) and attitude (X2 = 10.78, P-value < 0.001)
showed statistically significant association with VCT uptake. The prevalence of
non-uptake of VCT among the respondents was 82.7%. Ignorance, fear of positive
test, stigma and discrimination were found to be strong predictors of
non-uptake of VCT.OR 1.874 (1.058 - 3.289), P < 0.001; OR 2.455
(1.308 - 4.608), P < 0.000 and OR 2.318 (1.299 - 4.128), P < 0.000
respectively. Conclusions:
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