Abstract:

Background: Adolescents account for over 50% of all HIV infections occurring worldwide. HIV counseling and testing (HCT) has been identified as the key entry point to prevention, care, treatment and support services. Nevertheless, the coverage of HCT services among adolescents remains low.

Objective: To investigate the psycho-cognitive factors associated with HIV counseling and testing service-utilization among in-school adolescents.

Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional survey design guided by behavioral theory. A total of 292 in-school adolescents were selected for this study through multi stage sampling technique. This study made use of a validated, structured questionnaire. Data analysis was based on aggregate weighted scores of items; descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were conducted. Also, a regression analysis was also conducted.

Results: There were more females (61.0%) than males (39.0%) respondents; the mean age of the respondents was 15.66years. Majority (61%) of the respondents had poor Utilization of HIV Counseling and Testing services. This study also found a significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, perception and HIV counseling and testing service-utilization (p<0.05). It was found that the most significant predictors of HIV Counseling and Testing Service-Utilization was knowledge (B=-0.233; OR=0.792; 95%CI: 0.672-0.934; p=0.006).

Conclusion: Findings from this study proposes knowledge, attitude and perception as the major predictors of HIV Counseling and Testing Service-Utilization. Therefore, there is a need to initiate more health education programs among adolescents to improve their utilization of HIV counseling and testing services.

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