Background: HIV/AIDS is a threat to global development and human security, and SubSaharan
Africa remains the region worst affected. It is estimated that 23.5 million people
in this region are living with HIV, with youth accounting for 40% of new HIV infections.
However, HIV Testing Counselling uptake among the youth is low.
Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing uptake of HIV testing
and counselling among the youth aged 15-24 years in Kintampo South District.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the youth aged 15 to 24 years
using pre-tested questionnaire in the Kintampo South District. A simple random sampling
technique was used to select the communities and households. Only participants who gave
consent to participate in the study were interviewed. Data was collected on demographic
characteristics, personal related and health system related factors that influence uptake of
HIV testing and counselling among the youth 15-24 years.
Results: Nearly half of the youth (49.8%) had never tested for HIV with factors such as
lack of confidentiality, lack of privacy, mistrust of the health system, inconvenient facility
opening hours, fear of positive results and poor attitude of services providers being cited
as barriers to uptake of HIV testing and counselling. Age, educational status, marital status
and occupation were some demographic factors found to be significant determinants of
HIV testing and counselling among the youth. The single most significant factor that was
associated with HIV testing and counselling from the study was the high willingness to test
for HIV among the youth of the Kintampo South District.
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Conclusion: The findings of the study that nearly half of the youth had never tested for
HIV and citing lack of confidentiality, lack of privacy, mistrust of the health system,
inconvenient facility opening hours, fear of positive results and poor attitude of services
providers as barriers to uptake of HIV testing and counselling has a serious public health
implications.