HIV/AIDS STIGMATIZATION, THE REASON FOR POOR ACCESS TO HIV COUNSELING AND TESTING (HCT) AMONG THE YOUTHS IN GULU (UGANDA)

Authors

  • David Lagoro Kitara Gulu University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery
  • Judith K Aloyo African Centre for Rehabilitation and treatment of Torture victims Gulu Uganda

Keywords:

HIV counseling and testing, stigmatization, youths, Gulu (Uganda)

Abstract

HIV/AIDS-related stigma still exists in many communities in Uganda. Stigma perpetuates discrimination and this may be a key contributor to the spread of HIV/AIDS in this country. Right from the beginning, HIV/AIDS epidemic has been accompanied with fear, ignorance and denial, leading to stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. A study conducted by Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) in Uganda indicated that 64% of the people who tested for HIV/AIDS did not disclose status to their partners due to fear of stigmatization. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gulu District, Pece sub County among the youths 15 to 35 years old. A structured questionnaire was administered to 86 consented youths who were consecutively selected. Ethical approval was obtained from Gulu Hospital. Most youths (90%) practiced stigmatization, (93.1%) respondents had adequate knowledge on HIV counseling and testing (HCT). However, only (36.1%) had undertaken HCT and the majority did not do because of fear of stigmatization. There is sufficient knowledge, a positive attitude but a poor practice to HCT. There is high level of HIV/AIDS stigmatization among the youths.

Author Biographies

David Lagoro Kitara, Gulu University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery

Head of Department of Surgery Senior Lecturer

Judith K Aloyo, African Centre for Rehabilitation and treatment of Torture victims Gulu Uganda

Public Health specialist

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Published

2011-08-24

How to Cite

Kitara, D. L., & Aloyo, J. K. (2011). HIV/AIDS STIGMATIZATION, THE REASON FOR POOR ACCESS TO HIV COUNSELING AND TESTING (HCT) AMONG THE YOUTHS IN GULU (UGANDA). African Journal of Infectious Diseases (AJID), 6(1), 12–20. Retrieved from https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/AJID/article/view/1359

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2012)

Section

Articles

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