Factors hindering acceptance of HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) among youths in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

HIV/AIDS has become a source of concern all over the world. The concern cannot be isolated from the 
devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on economic, social, political and technological development of any 
nation with a high prevalence rate. Nigeria is one of the countries with HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of over 
4%. Despite this challenge, the patronage of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is still very low. 
This study therefore examined the factors hindering the acceptance of VCT as expressed by youths in 
Kwara State. A total of 600 youths from the three Senatorial districts in the State were involved in the 
study. A survey instrument designed by the researchers was used to collect relevant information from 
the respondents. Among others, the study identified ignorance, poverty, inadequate number of VCT 
centres, stigma and discrimination as major factors responsible for the low patronage of VCT centres in 
Kwara State. Gender and religion had no significant influence on the respondents’ views while place of 
residence had significant influence. The implications of the findings to medical practice and counselling 
were identified and discussed.