Central Data Catalog
Citation Information
Type | Journal Article - Sexual Health |
Title | Stigma, sexual risk and desire for HIV tests in Ghana |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 8 |
Issue | 1 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2011 |
Page numbers | 110-119 |
URL | http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=SH09095 |
Abstract | Although various HIV prevention and treatment programs have been implemented in Ghana since 2003, desire for and uptake of HIV testing is still low, owing largely to HIV-related stigma. This study examined the effect of stigma on desire for HIV testing, while controlling for socio-demographic and other influences. Method: The study used data from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey to regress desire for an HIV test on levels of stigma while controlling for selected socio-demographic, socio-cognitive and socio-behavioural covariates. Results: The study revealed significant associations between several socio-demographic and socio-cognitive variables and the desire for an HIV test. For example, both male (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24–0.72) and female (AOR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.41–0.93) respondents in the wealthiest households, and those who know someone infected with HIV (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.43–1.00) have lower odds of desiring an HIV test. The study showed a significant but negative interaction between risky sexual behaviours and community stigma (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.19–0.67), indicating that the positive effect of risky sex on HIV testing is attenuated among females who live in communities with high levels of stigma. Conclusion: Since community-level education and risk reduction programs have demonstrable influences on reducing HIV stigma, it is imperative that the Ghana government’s ongoing anti-stigma campaigns and other HIV prevention programs recognise the role of community stigma in influencing HIV testing decisions, especially in the context of risky sexual behaviours. |
Related studies
» | Ghana - Demographic and Health Survey 2003, Ghana, Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) |
Koku F, Emmanuel. "Stigma, sexual risk and desire for HIV tests in Ghana." Sexual Health 8, no. 1 (2011): 110-119.