Predictors of attitude towards HIV counselling and testing among secondary school teachers in Akinyele LGA, Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state of Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing (HCT) is recognized as a critical component of HIV prevention. However, what is of serious concern is the low uptake of HCT among teachers due to issues related to psychosocial factors, whose role has not been examined in the extant literature. This study examined the relationship between psychosocial factors (stigma, perceived barriers, knowledge, belief) and attitude towards HIV counselling and testing among secondary school teachers in Ibadan, Oyo State. Material and methods: The study had a cross-sectional design. Participants (350) were sampled from selected secondary schools through stratified sampling technique. The mean age was 45.68 (SD = 7.72), 57% were female with 11.23 (SD = 3.42) years of experience. A self-report questionnaire containing a standardized instrument was used in the collection of data. Data were analysed using descriptive, multiple regression analysis and Pearson product moment correlation at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The findings revealed that anticipated stigma (r = –0.39), belief (r = 0.23), level of knowledge (r = 0.30), and perceived barriers (r = –0.46) correlated significantly with attitude towards HIV counselling and testing among teachers. Perceived barriers (β = –0.43, t = –5.56, p = 0.00), anticipated stigma (β = –0.27, t = 4.93, p = 0.00), knowledge (β = 0.26, t = 4.38, p = 0.00) and belief (β = 0.20, t = 2.69, p = 0.00) predicted attitude towards HIV counselling and testing. Conclusions: This study confirms that anticipated stigma, knowledge and perceived barriers to HIV testing influenced attitude towards HCT among teachers. The Health Ministry was advised to provide community-based counselling outreach programmes for teachers, especially those in rural areas.