Testing in the HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign, HIV risk behaviours and ART enrolment in South Africa. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Onoya, D.; Mohlabane, N.; Maduna, V.; van Zyl, J.; Sewpaul, R.; Naidoo, Y.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 136(2016)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: HIV testing -- HIV prevention -- HIV treatment -- South Africa; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.03.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To examine the association between testing in the 2010 HIV Testing and Counselling (HCT) campaign with HIV risk behaviours and enrolment on ART. Study design: Data for this study were collected as part of a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey conducted in 2012 in South Africa. Methods: Consenting participants completed a structured questionnaire and provided a dry blood spot specimen which was tested for HIV antibodies and antiretroviral drugs. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between HIV testing history and explanatory variables of interest. Results: There was no association between testing in the 2010 HCT campaign and condom use at last sex, number of sexual partnerships or HIV knowledge. Individuals who tested in the HCT campaign were more likely to disclose their status (COR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.71–3.8) and those who tested HIV positive in the campaign were more likely to be receiving ART (COR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.9). Testing in the HCT campaign was associated with having received both pretest and post-test counselling while testing before the campaign was associated with having received HIV results with no counselling (COR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.8). Conclusion: We highlight the success of the 2010 HCT campaign in improving HIV status disclosure and enrolment on ART as well as shortcomings on HIV risk behaviours and HIV knowledge. These may be related to issues of quality assurance in the counselling process. Our results further highlight possible HCT counselling inconsistencies across sectors requiring stronger public-private partnership in the delivery of HCT in South Africa. Highlights: This is the first detailed assessment of behavioural and linkage to HIV care outcomes of the National HCT campaign in South Africa. There was no improvements in condom use or number of sexual partnerships after testing in the National HCT campaign. The results show no significant association between testing in the HCT campaign and HIV knowledge or HIV risk perception. Those who tested in the HCT campaign were more likely to disclose their HIV status. HIV positive individuals who tested in the campaign were more likely to be initiated on ART.