Assessment of the Uptake of HIV Testing and Counseling Services (Case of Minors) in Mutare District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study assessed the uptake of HIV testing and counseling services basing on the case of minors in Mutare district, Zimbabwe. In order to carry out the study, a sample of 70 participants (44 children, 16 parents/guardians and 10 key informants) were selected using convenience sampling. The researcher used questionnaires and interviews as tools for data collection. The main purpose of the study was to examine barriers to access of HIV testing and counseling, among the minors. Some of the findings were presented in the form of tables, graphs and pie charts. The study revealed the barriers affecting the uptake of HIV testing and counseling services. The findings of the research revealed the social barriers like fear and stigma and discrimination which have prevailed for a long time in HIV and AIDS issues as the main barriers. While people are aware of how HIV is transmitted and the benefits that getting tested for HIV has on children they under utilize the facilities due to fear and the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS. This study recommends that Ministry of education, sport and culture should strengthen the education of HIV and AIDS in schools. AIDS service organizations should offer continuous education in schools, churches and communities so as to increase the uptake of HIV and AIDS testing and counseling among the minors. Furthermore, there is need to strengthen the referral system for those parents who come for HIV testing so that if they have children they also bring them for testing. Finally, it is recommended that counseling and advice should be provided to parents/guardians on how they should inform their children of their HIV positive status and at what age. Lastly, the researcher recommends that a further research be undertaken in order to establish the existence of stigma and discrimination in the communities.