AEGiS-06IAC: HIV testing in the University of Kinshasa: social and policy issues.

6th International AIDS Conference


San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

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HIV testing in the University of Kinshasa: social and policy issues.

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:335 (abstract no. Th.D.838)
Bertrand WE, Bomboko B, Moore M, Kashala TD; Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the appropriateness of installing a HIV Testing Center at the University of Kinshasa as a preventive method.

METHODS: 1189 students chosen randomly responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS: Eighty four percent of the students had already had sex. The average age of the first sexual contact is 16 years of age. The main reason for not engaging in sex was Religion. 52% of student population would like to be tested for AIDS. Of those who would like to be tested 79% would like to know the results if the results were positive. 25% will try to avoid to contaminate other, while 13% will drop out of the University. If the results were negative, 27% will protect themselves in order to stay negative, and 48% will just be happy. Among those who would not like to know the results of the test 9% said that they will be afraid to commit suicide. However, out of the total population, 90% would like to see a testing center at the University. Among them, 77% will use the service: 65% for serological test, 96% for the counselling (about the sexual life and the means of prevention), and 43% to have condom. Fifty five percent of students will be willing to pay for the condom and the test. 32% of students who will use the serological center for test visit prostitutes while 68% who will not use the serological center do not visit prostitutes.

CONCLUSION: It is recommended to install on Campus a serological testing center where students can be tested and receive advice about their sexual life. However, this recommendation raises a number of social and policy issues for the university and the Zairean government.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV, Universities, Students, Condoms, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Public Policy, HIV Infections, Prostitution, HIV Seroprevalence, Counseling, Questionnaires, HIV Seropositivity, Coitus, Emotions, Fear, Democratic Republic of the Congo, psychology, physiology, ICA6

900620
ThD838

Copyright © 1990 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.