Efectiveness of information, education and communication strategy in improving HIV testing and treatment among adolescents aged 15-24 years in Singida municipal council

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: HIV/AIDS has been one among the major cause of morbidity and mortality among adolescents and young women in Tanzania. This is partly contributed by poor linkage to and retention in HIV care, high loss to follow-up between testing and initiation of antiretroviral treatment and poor treatment adherence. To combat this problem Tanzania has been one among sub-Saharan countries to adopt Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) ambitious goal to reduce HIV among AGYWs aged 15-24 years by 10% in 2022 form 12% in 2016. One among the strategies used to achieve this goal is through Information, education and Communication (IEC) strategy. Aim of the study: is to assess the effectiveness of IEC strategy in improving HIV testing and treatment initiation (first and second -90) among AGYW aged 15-24 years in Singida Municipal Council.

Methodology: A cross-sectional design adopting post-test evaluation design whereby both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for gathering data was employed. Data were collected among AGYWs aged 15-24 years, AGYW project manager, Project Officer, Health facility in-charge, Council HIV and AIDS Control Coordinator (CHACC) and District AIDS Control Coordinator (DACC). Structured questions in questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while a semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews with the key informants.

Results: Quantitative results showed that AGYW in Singida were more aware of HIV, HIV testing and treatment as compared to Manyoni. Proportion difference of awareness on HIV, HIV testing and treatment was high in Singida as compared to Manyoni by a difference of 0.9%, 3.5%, and 14.9% respectively. The proportion difference for those reported to have a high level of knowledge on HIV, HIV testing and treatment was high in Singida as compared to Manyoni by a difference 11.7%, 2.5% and 9%. The proportion difference of seeking HIV testing was high in Singida as compared to Manyoni by a difference of 32.3%. Paired sample t-test revealed significant difference in awareness proportion. It also showed significant difference in proportion in the level of knowledge between the intervention area (Singida) and the control group (Manyoni). Qualitative results revealed several factors affecting HIV testing and treatment among AGYW which were; misconceptions, HIV - related Stigma, availability and allocation of testing resources Conclusion: IEC strategy was effective in improving HIV testing and treatment initiation (first and second -90) among AGYW aged 15-24 years in Singida Municipal Council