Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards voluntary counseling and testing services among university students in Kigali, Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

Background Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is recommended as effective in reducing risks in sexually active young adults, such as college students. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards VCT service among University students in Kigali City, Rwanda. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using stratified sampling method from March to August 2021. A total of 374 participants filled a structured questionnaire to gather information. A chi-square test was used to determine an association between a number of independent factors and dependent variables. Result A total of 374 participants were interviewed. Majority, 278(74.3%) were in the age bracket of 20-24 years. A total of 223(59.6%) students demonstrated good knowledge on VCT; 219(58.6%) had positive attitude towards VCT for HIV. Less than half 160(42.8%) reported that they had VCT for HIV within the past one year. Respondents age, religion, income-category, level of education and occupation were among the sociodemographic variables that were significantly associated with practices of HIV prevention and control. The ignorance of the VCT center was reported as main barriers for VCT uptake. Conclusion The findings show positive views on VCT, but over half didn't get tested due to lack of knowledge about VCT centers. Received on, 11 December 2024 Accepted on, 18 February 2025 Published on, 04 March 2025