Magister Public Health - MPH / Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) programmese have been regarded as an important strategy in the management of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is in light of having statistics showing only one in five South Africans who know about voluntary counselling and testing also went for testing.The aim of this study was to get a better understanding of the barriers whoch prevented student nurses from participating in voluntary HIV counselling and testing, explore their knowledge of the VCT process, explore factors which influence their decision to test or not to test and their perception of the VCT programme in their college. / South Africa

<p>Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) programmese have been regarded as an important strategy in the management of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is in light of having statistics showing only one in five South Africans who know about voluntary counselling and testing also went for testing/ The aim of this study was to get a better understanding of the barriers whoch prevented student nurses from participating in voluntary HIV counselling and testing, explore their knowledge of the VCT process, explore factors which influence their decision to test or not to test and their perception of the VCT programme in their college.</p>

<p>Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) programmese have been regarded as an important strategy in the management of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is in light of having statistics showing only one in five South Africans who know about voluntary counselling and testing also went for testing/ The aim of this study was to get a better understanding of the barriers whoch prevented student nurses from participating in voluntary HIV counselling and testing, explore their knowledge of the VCT process, explore factors which influence their decision to test or not to test and their perception of the VCT programme in their college.</p>

MPH / Department of Public Health / The main entry point for the HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment is through HIV Testing Services (HTS). Despite undeniable benefits and increased availability of HIV Testing Services, uptake remains low among students. The aim of this study was to investigate factors contributing to low HIV Testing Services (HTS) among Health Sciences students. Quantitative research method was used to conduct this study. Descriptive quantitative research design was employed. 306 respondents determined by the sample formula were selected through Probability, Systematic sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. Validity was ensured through content and face validity. Reliability in the form of test-retest reliability were ensured through pre-testing the instrument using 31 respondents from the target population. Data collected was analysed using SPSS version 24. Ethical considerations were ensured throughout the study. The findings of the study showed that out of 306 respondents, 44,1% (n=135) of respondents, comprising 30,7% (n=94) of females and 13,4% (n=41) of males had gone for HIV testing. Respondents had adequate knowledge about HIV Testing Services (HTS) and their attitude towards HIV Testing Services (HTS) was favourable. HIV/AIDS-related stigma, fear of potential HIV positive diagnosis, low perception of HIV infection risk and negative attitude of healthcare service providers were attributed to low uptake of HIV Testing Services (HTS) among respondents. There were recommendations for HIV Testing Services (HTS) workshops, education and awareness campaigns emphasizing the benefits and importance of HIV Testing Services (HTS). The use of various forms of media including campus radio and newsletters to promote the uptake of HIV Testing Services (HTS) among university students was also recommended. / NRF