Table 3.
factors affecting HTS visits reported in qualitative interviews
| Factors | Male (n=8) | Female (n=9) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | ||
| Affordability of transport to go to the HTS | 8 | 9 |
| Fear of receiving HIV testing results | 5 | 5 |
| Other commitments | 4 | 6 |
| Willingness to know status | 3 | 2 |
| Knowledge of importance of HTS | 2 | 3 |
| Feeling sick/injury | 2 | 3 |
| Attitude among adults and males | 2 | 2 |
| Unwillingness to disclose HIV status to others | 2 | - |
| Financial constraints for food and transport | 1 | 4 |
| Love their body and life | 1 | 2 |
| See their body as healthy | 1 | - |
| Forgot the appointment date | - | 2 |
| If previous result was HIV negative | - | 1 |
| Partner and family | ||
| Worried about children's future | 2 | 3 |
| Fear of sharing results with partner | 2 | 1 |
| Family responsibility | 1 | - |
| Socialisation | ||
| Fear of stigmatisation | 6 | 2 |
| Availability of someone to talk to about HIV | 4 | - |
| Traditions and cultural beliefs | 3 | - |
| Motivation from community, media, church, or leaders | 2 | 2 |
| Memories of witnessing death from HIV/AIDS | 1 | 2 |
| Health system | ||
| Distance to HTS centre | 4 | 4 |
| Counselling | 3 | 2 |
| Confidentiality | 2 | 3 |
| Attitude of health service providers | 2 | 2 |
| Need for “door-to-door testing” | 1 | 3 |
| Awareness meetings | - | 1 |
| Fear of long queues for ARVs | - | 1 |
| Non-functional facilities | - | 1 |
HTS: HIV testing services; ARVs: anti-retroviral drugs