African Animal Nutrition (Agri/Animal Science) | 07 February 2010
Community-Based HIV Testing Strategies in Eastern Congolese Border Townships: Acceptance Rates and Treatment Adoption Impact
K, i, s, i, i, O, c, h, i, e, n, g
Abstract
Eastern Congolese border townships are facing a significant HIV epidemic, with limited healthcare resources and infrastructure. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was employed to gather data from participants aged 18-45. Participants showed high acceptance of the testing strategy, with an acceptance rate of 72%, but only a minority (20%) reported adopting treatment within six months. Community-based HIV testing strategies are well-received by local populations but require further efforts to increase treatment uptake. Enhanced follow-up services and community engagement initiatives are recommended to improve treatment adoption rates. HIV Testing, Treatment Adoption, Community-Based Strategies, Eastern Congo Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.