Factors Influencing Uptake of Voluntary Counselling and Testing for HIV Among Youth in Akwa Ibom State

Voluntary counselling and testing for HIV is an essential gateway to HIV prevention, treatment, and care, yet uptake among Nigerian youth remains below desired levels in several South South states. This study investigated factors influencing uptake of voluntary counselling and testing among youth in Akwa Ibom State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving 310 young adults aged 18 to 30 years from tertiary institutions and community youth groups in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket local government areas. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. Data were analysed using frequency tables and logistic regression. Results showed that fear of a positive result, stigma associated with HIV, lack of confidentiality at testing centres, and inadequate knowledge of testing services were the most significant barriers to voluntary counselling and testing. Peer education and mass media health campaigns were the most influential sources of health information. Youth who had received peer-led health education were significantly more likely to have undergone testing (odds ratio 2.1, p less than 0.05). The study recommended expanding peer-led health education programmes and ensuring confidentiality at all testing centres in Akwa Ibom State. Keywords: voluntary counselling and testing, HIV, youth, Akwa Ibom State, health education