A qualitative study on voluntary counseling and testing(VCT)for HIV/AIDS among migrants in Minhang district of Shanghai / 中国艾滋病性病

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the knowledge,attitudes and impact factors related to voluntary counseling and testing(VCT)for HIV/AIDS among migrants in Minhang district of Shanghai.Method Using a convenience sampling strategy,74 migrants,27 key informants and 20 community service providers were selected to participate in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.Results Most migrants were young,less educated and poorly aware of HIV prevention.Only one third of the migrants heard of VCT,but few of them knew where to seek VCT or had any personal VCT experience.Nearly half of the interviewees took a negative attitude towards those who participated in VCT service.The main factors influencing the participation in VCT service among the migrants were the knowledge of VCT,having risk behavior and perception,supportive environments and availability of HIV/VCT services.Conclusions There is an urgent need to promote extensive health education about HIV/VCT,adopt flexible and available approaches to VCT service and provide appropriate care following the HIV test among migrants.