Assessment of factors associated with voluntary counseling and testing uptake among students in Bahir Dar University: A case control study

Background: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is one of the cornerstones for successful implementation of HIV prevention, care and support services among HIV negative and positive individuals. Objectives: This study was intended to assess the factors associated with the use of VCT service among students in Bahir Dar University Methods: Unmatched case-control study was conducted among 158 cases (who had received VCT services) and 318 control students from March 20 to May 10, 2010. The study subjects were selected randomly among 452 students who had received VCT and 2548 controls. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Results: The findings indicated that male [OR= 1.84 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.92)], married [AOR=2.95 (95% CI: 1.23, 7.10)] and senior students [AOR=8.64 (2.70, 24.13)] were more likely to be tested than their counterparts. Knowledge, [AOR=2.44 (95% CI: 1.39, 4.28)], attitude [AOR=2.23 (95% CI: 1.19, 4.16)] and risk perception [AOR=5.43 (95% CI: 3.38, 8.72)] showed significant association with VCT service. Conclusion: In order to promote VCT service, more emphasis should be given to the knowledge and attitudes of students towards VCT, and to help the students to internalize the risk of HIV so that they can take preventive measures. Furthermore, strategies should be designed to help senior students to be tested. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2012;26(1):16-21]