UPTAKE OF HIV TESTING AMONG CAREGIVERS WITH CHILDREN BELOW 14 YEARS TO BE ENROLLED IN CARE AT KISUMU COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KISUMU COUNTY

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that attacks cell that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. To end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 there is a need to significantly reduce the rate of new infection among children. Identifying the correlates of testing behavior is necessary to improve HIV testing campaigns by refining messages that target individuals in this age group which is below 14 years, this was the first step in the HIV treatment cascade. This research aimed to assess the factors influencing the uptake of HIV testing in children under 14 years of age enrolled in care at Kisumu County Referral Hospital. The study was crucial in addressing the need to reduce new HIV infections among children and improve the HIV treatment cascade. Factors such as stigma, accessibility to testing sites, and the model of testing and counseling played significant roles in influencing testing behavior in this vulnerable population. The study was done at Kisumu County Referral Hospital. The study was conducted using a descriptive study design, with data collected through questionnaires administered to parents of children seeking treatment at the hospital. The convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents from the target population. The target population was children below 14 years enrolled in care at KCRH. A sample size of 79 respondents was used and enrolled in the study. The research findings was analyzed using SPSS statistical software and presented through tables and graphs. By identifying and understanding these factors, the study aimed to contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies to enhance HIV testing rates and ultimately reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS in children under 14 years of age.