[01] Ezeokoli Rita Nkiruka, Social Work Department, Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria. [02] Olaoye Titilayo, Public Health Department, Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria. [03] Ayodele Kolawole Olanrewaju, Research and International Cooperation (RIC), Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria. [04] Obasohan M. O., Social Work Department, Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria. [05] Ilesanmi Ayodele Olusola, Medical Laboratory Science Department, Babcock University Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria.

This study investigated the willingness to seek voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) among Sagamu residents of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey design to assess the attitudes and use of voluntary counselling and testing among the residents in Sagamu, the economic center of Sagamu local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria. a total of 287 participants stratified based on their professions (traders, students, and civil servants) were involved. A self-developed instrument tagged “Willingness to Seek VCT and VCT Knowledge Questionnaire (WSVCTKQ)” was used for the collection of data. Pearson Product Moment Coefficient and multiple regression statistical analyses were used to analyze the data collected. The results showed the participants’ knowledge of VCT to be low. A significant positive relationship was found between participants’ knowledge of VCT and willingness to seek VCT services (r(287) = .371, P < .05). Also, it was found that willingness to seek VCT services has nothing to do with age and work status. The findings concluded that more awareness should be created and people should be encouraged to obtain information about their HIV status and seek prompt counselling and medical intervention where necessary. Governments should therefore establish more VCT centres in both rural and urban areas to bring VCT service to the door step of the citizens.

Voluntary Counselling and Testing, Knowledge, Awareness, Willingness

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