Barriers to HIV testing

Barriers to HIV testing

HIV testing barriers include fear of finding out one’s results, what people may say, and wondering what people may say, among others. Confidentiality is one of the concerns that hinder HIV testing. Young people rarely go for testing because they fear being judged by others for being sexually active. Stigmatization exists among sex workers, homosexuals, and drug addicts because they face discrimination, criminalization, and faced with self-doubt putting them away from HIV testing. People go for testing only when they have been exposed, or they suspect to have the infection. This perception is wrong because some people may be infected when they think they are not at risk. Some religious beliefs hinder their members from seeking medical help and insist on praying, magic, and miracles.

These perceived barriers have changed my thinking about HIV testing. I have realized that despite the mobilization, community training, information dissemination, and provision of testing kits across the world, people still face barriers to testing. More sensitization is needed that targets individuals. The barriers are more personal than a community because everyone perceives the barriers differently from others. New initiatives and programs should target individual groups such as sex workers and create a safe environment for them to accepting HIV testing. Young people are another group that programs should focus on eliminating the fear of being judged by other people. Different ways exist on how people get the infection by the HIV. Thus, it will be okay for young people to be confident when going for tests without the fear of being judged.

 

 

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