Home| Journals | Statistics Online Expert | About Us | Contact Us

[Abstract] [PDF] [HTML] [Linked References]

International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 6, Issue 1, Febraury 2013 pp 01-06

Research Article

A Qualitative Assessment of the Perceptions towards Mandatory Pre-Marital HIV Testing Among Unmarried Youths in Dakar

P. G. Sow^1-2,*, A. B. Tall², O. Ka², A. A. Ndiaye², A. Tal. Dia^{3, 5}, I. Traore⁴

{¹Social institute of Health and hygiene of Dakar, ²University of Bambey, ³Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar,

⁴Aristide le Dantec Hospital of Dakar- Bacteriology laboratory, ⁵Health Institutee and development} Senegal, WEST AFRICA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Mandatory premarital HIV testing is gaining more ground especially among youths in Dakar but the perceptions of the young persons affected by this request have not been adequately explored. This study used a qualitative approach to assess the perceptions of unmarried youths regarding mandatory pre-marital HIV testing. Six focus group discussions were conducted among male and female youths in Dakar areas. Many of the participants were aware of mandatory pre-marital HIV testing and majority had a positive perception of the practice. Though participants were of the view that a positive HIV status at that stage would signify the end of the relationship, most of the female participants were against the cancelation of intending marriages by religious organizations because of sero-discordance. Even though majority wanted the results to be given to the couple, most would like the religious leader to disclose the result. The need for post-test counselling was stressed by many of the participants.