Determinants of HIV Testing and Counseling Utilization among Trainee Nurses and Midwives in Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

As an effective vaccine for HIV is yet to be developed, HIV testing and counseling (HTC) becomes a key cornerstone for the prevention and care strategies for HIV/AIDS pandemic both globally and in Ghana. This study examined the determinants of utilizing HTC among trainee nurses and midwives in the public nursing and midwifery training colleges in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 375 nursing and midwifery students using multistage sampling procedures that comprised stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The binary logistic regression analysis shows that student nurses with positive attitude toward HTC were 3 times more likely to utilize HTC compared to those with negative attitude toward HTC (odds ratio [OR] = 3.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.02–10.41], P ≤ 0.05). With sex, males were less likely to utilize HTC compared to females (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.25–0.68], P ≤ 0.05). Again, ages between18 and 20 were less likely to utilize HTC compared to those in other age categories (OR = 9.47, 95% CI = [2.15–41.72], P ≤ 0.05). Regarding academic level, student nurses/midwives in level 300 were 2 times more likely to utilize HTC compared to level 200 counterparts (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = [1.03–2.53], P ≤ 0.05). In addition, student nurses/midwives who were married 4 times more likely to utilize HTC (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = [1.14–11.90], P ≤ 0.05) than their single colleagues. Conclusion: Student nurses/midwives decision to utilize HTC services is influenced by diverse factors. Trainee nurses/midwives’ positive attitude toward HTC utilization is an expression of confidence in HTC services as a gateway for both primary and secondary prevention mode. This may increase in their ability to prescribe HTC services to clients in their future occupational settings. Findings provide more support for continual health education programs that promote positive attitudinal behaviors toward HTC, especially among males and singles who may ignore HTC services utilization.