Client Satisfaction with HIV Counselling Services in Karnataka

Karnataka, with an HIV prevalence of 0.29%, faces unique public health challenges that require effective, patient-centered interventions. HIV counselling services covering pre and post-test counselling, risk reduction, emotional support, and referrals play a crucial role in addressing the medical, psychological, and social needs of individuals. Client satisfaction with these services is a key determinant of treatment adherence, engagement, and long-term health outcomes. Prioritizing satisfaction helps reduce stigma, promotes informed decision-making, and aligns with the objectives of the HIV/AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017 and the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Enhancing satisfaction ultimately strengthens Karnataka’s HIV response and supports overall public health goals. This quantitative, cross-sectional study assessed client satisfaction with HIV counseling services in Karnataka, India, from September 2021 to October 2022. Using a convenience sample of 30 clients, the study evaluated satisfaction levels and their relationship with socio-demographic factors and service-related experiences. Data were collected via a two-section questionnaire adapted from a UNAIDS tool and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal a high degree of client satisfaction, largely driven by the emotional support, empathy, and informational role of counsellors. A unanimous 100% of clients preferred to see the same counsellor for continuity of care, and a significant majority (76.7%) were willing to recommend the services. However, the study identified critical challenges, including a minor but notable concern over counsellor burnout and rushed sessions, as well as a significant gap between clients’ willingness to recommend the services and their actual behavior. This discrepancy suggests that social stigma remains a major barrier to community advocacy. The study concludes that while the quality of the counsellor-client relationship is strong, addressing systemic issues like counsellor workload and developing stigma-sensitive outreach strategies are essential for improving and sustaining the quality of HIV care in the region.