Contributory Factors Leading to Poor Utilisation of HIV Counselling and Testing Among Male Students at the University of Limpopo, South Africa ^†

Background: HIV counselling and testing (HCT) are critical components in the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS. However, utilisation of these services remains low among certain populations, including male university students. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to this poor uptake among male students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education programme at the University of Limpopo is essential for developing targeted interventions. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was employed. The study population comprised all male students registered for the Bachelor of Education degree. A non-probability, convenience sampling technique was used to recruit accessible male students who consented to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in private settings until data saturation was achieved by the 25th student. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes and sub-themes related to barriers in HCT utilisation. Results: Four main themes emerged as contributory factors: (1) fearfulness, including fear of positive results, losing loved ones, judgement by peers and family, disclosure concerns, and attitudes of healthcare providers; (2) lack of information, encompassing inadequate orientation about HIV services, myths about virus transmission, and misconceptions about test results; (3) social and cultural standards, involving cultural beliefs, stigma, and discrimination; and (4) poor access to services, characterised by time constraints and long queues. Conclusion: Multiple interrelated factors contribute to the poor utilisation of HIV counselling and testing services among male students at the University of Limpopo. Addressing these barriers through improved education, supportive healthcare environments, culturally sensitive interventions, and enhanced service accessibility may increase uptake and support HIV prevention efforts in this population. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the University of Limpopo implement targeted educational programs, improve healthcare provider attitudes, reduce stigma, and enhance the accessibility and efficiency of HIV counselling and testing services to encourage greater utilisation among male students.