Perceptions about the acceptability and prevalence of HIV testing and factors influencing them in different communities in South Africa

Figures & data

Table 1. Themes that have positive and negative influences towards HIV testing that emerged from different communities in Cape Town and Durban.

Themes	Encouraged HIV testing
Testing and blood donation campaigns	• Promote awareness
	• Dispel fear
	• Promote testing
HIV knowledge and awareness	• Understanding HIV and its transmission
	• Understanding prevention
Perceived benefits of testing	• Promote better quality of life
	• Ability to plan for the future
	• Freedom from worries about HIV
	• Access to treatment
	• Prevent the spread of HIV
Confidentiality	• Encourages testing
	• Protects from stigmatization and discrimination
	• Prevent victimization
	Discouraged HIV testing
Risk perception	• HIV risk attributed to other racial groups
Fear of testing positive	• Positive diagnosis
	• Becoming ill
	• Dying of AIDS
Stigmatization and discrimination	• Negative reaction from family, friends and community if positive
	• Isolation