The real situation of HIV/AIDS counselling services in Hanoi and recommendations

ABSTRACT

A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted in order to identify the need and the use of HIV/AIDS counselling services and real situation at the counselling facilities in Hanoi. data was obtained using a self- administered questionaire to 8 groups of people with risk behaviours related to HIV/AIDS. These groupd also took part in group discussions. Structured in-deep interviews with counsellors and observation at counselling facilities were also conducted. The need for using HIV/AIDS counselling services was low (45.7%). Only 41.6% of persons who have need for counselling had use service. People living with HIV/AIDS and their families were the two main groups using these services. The reason for low utilisation was user’s poor perception of HIV/AIDS infection risks. Problems from the providers also con tributed to the services inappropriate organisation and investment. The main fidings suggest that increase of the risk perception of HIV/AIDS of individual and community serveices, it should be reorganised. At the same time, the counselling activities should be socialised, and considered as the key task of the whole society and community, not only that of the health sector.