Investigating factors associated with uptake of HIV voluntary counselling and testing among pregnant women living in North Uganda

We investigated factors potentially associated with the uptake of HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), which is the first step in acceding to programmes for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection. For the period 2001-2003, we estimated the VCT uptake among the 12,252 first-time attendees of the Antenatal Clinic (ANC) at Lacor Hospital (Gulu District, North Uganda). Associations between VCT uptake and socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive history were evaluated using log binomial regression models. VCT uptake was 55.6% for the overall study period; it increased from 51.0% in 2001 to 58.6% in 2002 and 57.7% in 2003 (P < 0.00 1). Having some education [primary versus none, adjusted prevalence proportion ratio (PPR) =1.05, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.00-1.10] and being unmarried (cohabitating, PPR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.10; single/widowed/divorced, PPR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.18) were significantly associated with VCT uptake. Associations of borderline significance were found for: recent change of residence, having a partner with a modern occupation, and past use of contraceptives. VCT uptake is still low in this district of North Uganda. Although some socio-demographic factors were found to have been associated with uptake, the associations were weak and not of public-health significance.