Perception of Pregnant Women towards HIV Testing and Counseling in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
- August 26, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Biochemistry
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705
Ogechi Juliet Alisigwe
Department of Biochemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
Abstract: The study examined the perception of pregnant women toward HIV voluntary test and counseling in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. 150 respondents took part in the study. A structural questionnaire was used to collect data. Four hypotheses were tested and the result showed a significant outcome. Based on the above findings, the researcher wishes to make the following recommendations; Government should put in place several programme that will create awareness and knowledge on HIV voluntary counseling and testing. There is also a need to create positive attitude towards HIV voluntary counseling and testing as this will go a long way to help in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, counseling, pregnant women, perception, HIV Test.
I. INTRODUCTION
As the HIV/AIDS pandemic advances, it is increasingly important that services including voluntary counseling and testing and other medical care and social, economic and Psychological support are provided along with information and education about HIV/ AIDS.
Voluntary counseling and testing is an important tool for preventing the spread of HIV especially with generalized epidemic, HIV testing and counseling remains critical in the global efforts to reach a goal of universal access to prevention and timely human immune deficiency virus (HIV) treatment and health care. HIV voluntary counseling and testing is perceived to be an effective strategy in the risk reduction among pregnant women in order to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) during antenatal and delivery including breast feeding (Olatinwo, et al 2005). HIV/ AID is a major source of concern all over the world as it constitutes a major source of death and a threat to national development. The virus has negative impact on economic, social and political development of any nation that has its high rate.
