Publications

In recent decades, the global fight against HIV/AIDS has emphasized the crucial role of counselling and testingservices in prevention, treatment, and support efforts. Within tertiary institutions, where a diverse population ofyoung adults resides, understanding the factors influencing HIV/AIDS counselling and testing uptake isparamount. This study examined the factors associated with HIV/AIDS counselling and testing among studentsin tertiary institutions in Kanungu District, Uganda. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used tocollect data from three tertiary institutions in Kanungu District. The researcher selected a sample of 100 studentsand 10 counselors using simple random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and wasanalyzed based on the themes of the study. The findings revealed that while the majority of the studentrespondents (100%) had heard about HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, only a small proportion (20%) hadactually been tested. The study found that students had access to HIV/AIDS counselling and testing services, butthey were not utilizing them. The main factors hindering students' uptake of HIV/AIDS counselling and testingwere found to be stigma associated with positive results (100%) and fear of positive HIV status (88%). The studyalso found that students in tertiary institutions had generally negative attitudes toward HIV/AIDS counsellingand testing. The study concluded that students in tertiary institutions in Kanungu District do not actively seekHIV/AIDS counselling and testing services, and as a result, the majority do not know their HIV status. Stigmaassociated with HIV/AIDS was identified as the primary factor limiting students' willingness to undergocounselling and testing. The study recommends that tertiary institutions, in collaboration with local healthauthorities, implement targeted interventions to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and promote the uptake of counsellingand testing services among students.Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Counselling and testing, Tertiary institutions, Socio-economic factors, Demographicfactors