The overall aim of this study was to understand the determinants of VCT uptake in the
general population of Nigeria’s federal capital territory of Abuja. Uptake of VCT still
remains low despite increased availability of VCT information and services in Abuja,
Nigeria.
A quantitative cross-sectional study was undertaken with 180 respondents from Abuja,
using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model as conceptual framework, to elucidate
the social demographics of respondents, their HIV/VCT knowledge, their perceptions of
VCT facility design, societal support for VCT, and how HIV stigma shapes the
phenomenon of VCT uptake in Abuja, Nigeria.
The key findings were that a better understanding of HIV prevention, a perception of
support from community and religious leaders, and access to HIV test services in
government facilities are positive predictors of higher VCT uptake. Poor personal risk
assessment and the cost of HIV testing were identified as the key barriers to VCT
access.