Access to voluntary counselling and testing services: Perspectives of young people

Voluntary counselling and testing for HIV (VCT) is seen as an important component of any HIV intervention strategies, providing a range of benefits to individuals, families and communities. This study examines the key factors that influence the uptake of VCT among students aged between 18 and 24 years at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu-Natal. Knowledge of VCT is fairly high with the majority of students. The desire to know one's status was a major factor promoting VCT uptake, with the majority indicating that it facilitated behavioural change and access to medical care and support. However, it is also disturbing that substantial proportions of students have not heard of VCT, and also that the majority did not know their HIV status. Perception of risk of HIV infection is a major factor influencing uptake of VCT services. In general, providers at VCT services were seen as friendly and helpful. However, some respondents expressed concerns about the confidentiality of VCT services. Prevention programmes have an important role to play in creating awareness of VCT.