Abstract:
Background: Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) forms one of the cornerstones of HIV prevention
strategies. It is imperative to understand HIV testing correlates and their theoretical underpinnings in order to
promote VCT uptake. The aim of this study was to predict the intention to VCT and associated factors among
health professionals in Jimma zone, Ethiopia using the theory of planned behavior.
Methods: An institution based cross-sectional quantitative study among a sample of 336 health professionals in 12
selected districts of Jimma, Ethiopia was conducted in 2012. The constructs and principles of the theory of planned
behavior (TPB) were measured. Data were collected using structured questionnaire on self administered basis. A
multivariable linear regression model was used to predict the role of independent variables/TPB constructs on the
intention to use VCT using SPSS version 16.0.
Results: The components of TPB independently explained the variance in intention to VCT by 30.3%. Both
components of TPB and socio-demographic characteristic in the final model explained 32.7% of variance in the
intention to use VCT services. Significant proportions (33.0%) of the respondents have never been tested for HIV.
The respective indirect components of the TPB predicted the direct components. The strongest predictors of
intention to VCT were subjective norm (β=0.39, p<0.001) and attitude (β= 0.19, p<0.001) whereas, none of the
socio-demographic variables were significantly predicted the intention to use VCT. Past VCT experience did not
have significant statistical association with VCT use intention.
Conclusions: Behavioral intention to use VCT was a function of attitude and perceived social pressure.
Demographic related social determinants were not barriers for VCT use intention. Most health workers test their
blood by themselves. Strategies to empower health professionals on social pressure resistance and programs
targeted at changing negative attitude on VCT use can enhance intention of health professionals to use VCT
