HIV Testing Uptake and Risk Behaviors among Youth at Institut Superieur des Techniques Medicales De Kinshasa, Democratic republic of Congo
Abstract:
Young people aged 15–24 years represent 37% of new
HIV infections globally, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden. Students enrolled in health science programs , as future healthcare providers,
are critical for HIV prevention efforts, yet limited data exist on their
testing behaviors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study
assessed HIV testing uptake and associated risk behaviors among students at
Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales (ISTM) in Kinshasa, DRC. A
cross-sectional survey was conducted using systematic sampling. The minimal sample size calculated was estimated at 384 participants,
but only 300 students were recruited which may have affected the statistical power
and limited generalizability. Self-administered questionnaires assessed HIV
testing history, sexual behaviors, substance use, and training background. Data
were analysed using IBM SPSS with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Among 300 participants, 60% (n=180) were females and 40% (n=120) were males; only 24.7% (n=74) had tested for
HIV within the past year, while 58.0% (n=174) had never been tested.
Significant gender disparities were observed, with 78.4%(n=235) of
recent testers being female versus 21.6%(n=35) male (χ²=15.2, p<0.001). Reported high-risk
behaviors included never using condoms 25.3% (n=76), multiple sexual partners in the
past 12 months 26.7%(n=54), and recent STD treatment 16.0%(n=33). Despite 69.7% (n=209) having
received HIV/STD training, testing uptake remained modest. These findings suggest that HIV testing uptake among ISTM
students is suboptimal, considering their potential role
in HIV prevention. The coexistence of HIV testing gaps and reported high risk behaviors
among study participants underscores the need of targeted interventions particularly
those addressing barriers among male students, improving HIV testing uptake and
strengthen HIV prevention efforts within this student community.
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