Research Article
Healthcare provider factors associated with the utilization of community-post HIV testing services among men aged ≥18 years in Kericho County, Kenya: an analytical cross-sectional study
- By Lilian Nkech Kongani, Jackline Mosinya Nyaberi, Kenneth Ngure - 02 Nov 2026
- Healthcare Issues, Volume: 5, Issue: 2, Pages: 59 - 66
- https://doi.org/10.58614/hi529
- Received: 06.10.2026; Accepted: 27.10.2026; Published: 02.11.2026
Abstract
Background: Men remain less likely than women to use HIV Testing Services (HTS) in sub-Saharan Africa. Community Posts may improve access, but evidence on provider factors influencing men’s utilization remains limited in Kericho County, Kenya. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at two Community Posts and two health facilities with Comprehensive Care Centres. Participants included 397 men aged ≥18 years, 8 focus group discussion participants and 19 key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA 14 and qualitative data thematically using NVivo 14. Results: Overall, 273/397 (68.8%) men utilized HTS, with higher utilization among Community Post respondents (168/196; 85.7%) than facility respondents (105/201; 52.2%). Compared with excellent professionalism, utilization odds were lower for good (AOR=0.38; p=0.032), average (AOR=0.18; p=0.014) and poor professionalism (AOR=0.12; p=0.041). Lower odds were also associated with confidentiality being somewhat ensured (AOR=0.25; p=0.028), providers perceived as somewhat knowledgeable (AOR=0.21; p=0.034), and neutral provider attitudes (AOR=0.18; p=0.022). Conclusion: Community Post respondents reported higher HTS utilization. Provider professionalism, confidentiality, knowledge and supportive attitudes were associated with utilization. Strengthening client-centred, competent and confidential services may improve men’s engagement in HIV testing.
Authors affiliation:
Lilian Nkech Kongani (ORCID): Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
Jackline Mosinya Nyaberi (ORCID): Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenneth Ngure (ORCID): Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
How To Cite: L. N. Kongani, J. M. Nyaberi, and K. Ngure. Healthcare provider factors associated with the utilization of community-post HIV testing services among men aged ≥18 years in Kericho County, Kenya: an analytical cross-sectional study. Healthcare Issues, 5(2):59–66, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58614/hi529