Using VCT statistics from Kenya in understanding the association between gender and HIV

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the importance of utilising official statistics from the voluntary counselling and testing centres (VCT) to determine the association between gender and HIV infection rates in Kenya. The study design adopted was a record based survey of data collected from VCT sites in Kenya between the second quarter of 2001 and the second quarter of 2004. Of those who were tested, significantly more females tested positive (P<0.0001) and had twice as high a chance of being infected by HIV (Odds ratio 2.27 with CI 2.23 to 2.31) than males. We conclude that VCT statistics may lead to better planning of services and gender sensitive interventions if utilised well. © 2007 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.