Barriers to Adolescents’ Access and Uptake of HIV-related Services in Kawangware Informal Settlements, Nairobi County

Abstract

Although HIV Testing and counseling have been widely accepted and implemented globally, some people still experience poor access and uptake. Adolescents from informal settlements are more vulnerable to HIV infections than in other settlements. However, they are less likely to access and uptake HIV-related services due to stigma, lack of information and other competing priorities. Drawing on data collected from informal settlements in Dagoretti North Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya, and the study explored the existing barriers to access and uptake of HIV-Related services. Both Quantitative and qualitative research techniques and approaches were used. The study collected data from the respondents through survey questionnaires and Key informants’ interview guides. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents were interviewed in Gatina, Kabiro, and Kawangware wards. The study had 20 key informants who would provide additional and diverse perspectives based on the study objectives. Secondary data obtained through desk reviews and analysis of existing data helped in the proposal development and has been useful in the discussions of the findings. According to the study's findings, 11.1% of respondents were ignorant of HIV/VCT services, and 74.1% of respondents did not use these services. Teenagers' attitudes have been listed as one of the obstacles to receiving HIV/VCT services and accessing them. It results from the lengthy waiting time at the facilities and the anxiety over stigma. A common barrier on the healthcare provider side of the equation is the perceptions of the healthcare professionals on matters relating to sexuality and HIV. The study concludes that targeted interventions and properly implemented HIV-related services would encourage adolescents residing in informal settlements to seek the services and increase ingress.