Abstract:
Background
Although home based counseling and testing has the potential of reaching many
Tanzanians through bringing the services to their homes, little is known regarding
the perception and attitude of the community members towards being counseled
and tested in their home environment. Insufficient data exist to recommend largescale
implementation of home-based HIV testing in the country.
Objective
To determine the perception and attitude of the community members towards the
uptake of home based counseling and testing services in Ilala municipal, Dar es
Salaam.
Methodology
The study employed a cross-sectional Descriptive design using both quantitative
and qualitative approaches. A multistage random sampling was used whereby 5
out of 22 wards were randomly selected. Then three streets in each of the five
wards were randomly selected, from which a total sample of 384 respondents were
recruited. Purposeful sampling technique was used to recruit Focus group
discussion participants. Quantitative data were collected through a structured
questionnaire and qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions.
Results
Among the respondents of the study, only 24.2% had ever heard of HBCT services
and 21.6% were aware of the existing HIV and AIDS Act.However, more than half of the respondents (58%) know their rights as long as
counseling and testing is concerned. Regarding attitude of the respondents on the
uptake of HBCT services, 200 (52.1%) indicated positive attitudes towards HBCT
approach for provision of HTC services. Moreover, focus group discussion (FGD)
participants of the respondents expressed perceived barriers in receiving counseling
and testing services in their homes including fear of positive results, unavailable
time to be counseled and tested at home and concerns about confidentiality.
Conclusion and recommendations
Generally, the results of this study have shown that community members of Ilala
district have a positive attitude toward the uptake of home based counseling and
testing. This is a good sign with respect to implementation of HBCT but perceived
barriers should be addressed in the plan for roll out. Furthermore, community
sensitization should be an integral component of HBCT rollout.
