Voluntary testing for HIV among a sample of Tanzanian teachers: A search for socio-demographic and socio-psychological correlates

Abstract

Knowledge of HIV status is paramount in prevention, treatment and care. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with testing for HIV. We collected data through a cross-section questionnaire survey among 918 primary school teachers in Mwanza region, Tanzania (mean age 38.4 years). About 20% (181) of the participants had voluntarily tested for HIV. Teachers who: were aged between 21 to 30 years, had easy access to HIV testing services, had a partner with tertiary education, and perceived their health status positively were significantly more likely to have tested for HIV. Teachers who had tested for HIV were significantly less likely: to perceive that it is not necessary to test for HIV in absence of vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS; to support that only people who suspect that they are HIV infected should test for HIV; and to believe that HIV infected people are likely to die quicker if they are tested for HIV and be informed about their positive results. The results of this study underscore the need to promote positive views of voluntary testing for HIV among Tanzanian teachers.

Acknowledgments

We thank teachers who participated in our study as well as Richard, Alison and Namisi who edited the manuscript. We are also grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their invaluable comments. The study was funded by the Programme for Development Research and Education of the Norwegian Council for Higher Education (NUFU) through the Counselling, Education and Health Promotion (CEHP) Project 15/2002.