Perceived knowledge and attitude of women towards human immunodeficiency virus testing services in Mopani District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Services has been identified as the key entry point to prevention, care, treatment and support services. It is where people learn whether they are infected, and helped to understand the implications of their HIV status, in order to make informed choices for the future.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess Perceived Knowledge and Attitude of women towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Services in Mopani District, Limpopo Province.

Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was conducted to assess the perceived knowledge and attitudes of women towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Services. The target population of this study were all pregnant women and those bringing their biological children for immunization to the local clinics within Sekgosese area in the GreaterLetaba Municipality. However, the researcher decided to stick to the original sample of 240 since the respond was positive and all questionnaire were fully completed. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of four sections; namely, demographic information of the respondents, perceived women’s knowledge towards HIV testing services, perceived women’s attitude towards HTS and perceived factors preventing women from undergoing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Services in Sekgosese area. The questionnaires were constructed in English and translated into Northern Sotho by a language specialist. The questionnaire comprised of closed-ended questions and Likert scale questions. Validity and reliability were ensured. A pre-test was carried out to determine if the questions are clear and easy to understand. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Cross-tabulations were done to analyze the relationships between variables; for instance, age and attitude of women towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus testing, marital status and attitude of women towards Human Immunodeficiency Virus by women. Data was presented in the form of graphs, tables and charts.

xiii Results: Two Hundred and forty (240) questionnaires were distributed to respondents and they were all completed. The findings of the study indicate that the most respondents 94 (39.2%) were in the age bracket 21-30 years; 73 (30.4%) were in the age bracket 31-40; 40 (16.7%) were in the age bracket 15-20 and 33 (13.8%) were in the age bracket 41-49. The study results indicated that the attitudes of respondents about HIV testing and age have a significant association (P-value = 0.037). There was a positive relationship, as most of the respondents aged 21 to 30 years reported that women who get tested feel good/confident. The study results further indicated that the attitudes of respondents about HIV testing and level of education have significant association (P-value =0.000). The majority of the respondents who left school at secondary level reported that their loved ones would leave them if they had HIV.

Conclusions: The study revealed that majority of women in Sekgosese have good knowledge and attitude towards HTS. The study found that there is a significant association between age and the women’s attitude towards HIV testing services. Furthermore, there is a significant association between marital status and HIV testing services.

Recommendations: There is therefore a need for collaboration among several stakeholders, such as the local municipality, Department of Health, Department of Social Development and Department of Basic Education. These stakeholders need to come up with strategies to encourage all community members to utilize HTS.