| dc.description.abstract | Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus Counseling and Testing (HCT) is a program aimed at controlling HIV. In 2022, 86% of people living with HIV globally knew their HIV status, while the target is 95%. In Indonesia, 76% of at-risk individuals were screened for HIV in 2023, while in North Sumatra Province, the figure was 66%. This study aims to analyze factors affecting the utilization of HCT services among HIV risk groups at Hessa Air Genting Health Center, Asahan Regency.
Method: This quantitative case-control study (without matching) was conducted from April 2024 to April 2025. Participants were Female Sex Workers (FSW) and Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), with 75 cases and 75 controls selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected by questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS with univariate, bivariate (chi-square), and multivariate (logistic regression) tests.
Results: Factors significantly affecting HCT utilization were knowledge (p=0.003; OR=3.2), perception (p<0.001; OR=5.6), information media (p=0.005; OR=3.09), and health worker encouragement (p=0.005; OR=3.97). Access to health services had no effect.
Conclusion: The analysis highlighted the significant effects of knowledge, perception, information media, and health worker encouragement on HCT service utilization, with perception identified as the dominant factor. To improve utilization, strengthening positive perceptions, targeted training for healthcare workers, strengthened partnerships with local NGOs, and the use of social media for health promotion are recommended. | en_US |
