Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to assess the willingness to do HIV test and find factors for non-acceptance of routine HIV testing among patients attending Athlone hospital in Botswana. This was a cross-sectional study in which 300 conveniently selected participants completed self-administered questionnaire. Results indicated that the average score for willingness to test was 9.25 (range 1 to 12) and the non-acceptance of the routine HIV test was found to be 24.91 (range of score 1 to 33). Majority (72%) responded positively that patients were testing freely. Almost two- third (64.7%) of the respondents agreed that stigma and discrimination contributed towards refusal to test for HIV. Almost three quarters (73%) feared for positive result and 40.3% agreed that attitude of health care workers was a barrier for RHT. The study found great support and acceptance of routine HIV testing. However there were still concerns of stigma, discrimination and attitudes of health care workers which were discouraging.
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