Curationis (Mar 2003)

“To know or not to know”: Service-related barriers to Voiuntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) in South Africa

  • A. C. van Dyk,
  • P. J. van Dyk

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v26i1.1289
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 26, no. 1
pp. 4 – 10

Abstract

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Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT) is still in its infancy in South Africa, and although the necessary infrastructure in terms of clinics and hospitals exists, a VCT culture is not yet established in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the needs, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of South Africans towards VCT, and to investigate possible barriers affecting participation in VCT programs in South Africa. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey the views of 1422 people. Results indicate that while subjects were not opposed to VCT in principle, 33% would go to clinics where nobody would know them. The following problems with VCT services were mentioned: Logistical problems (not enough counsellors, long lines, lack of privacy); no trust in the health care system or fearing a breach of confidentiality; fear of rejection; and a lack of follow-up support after diagnosis. Suggestions are made on how to improve VCT services in South Africa.