HIV Field Outreach Workers’ Performance and Utilization of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Services in Kendari City

Abstract

One of the greatest global health concerns is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, particularly among individuals with limited access to HIV testing, such as members of specific at-risk populations. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a critical entry point to HIV prevention and care, but the service remains underused. Fieldworkers conducting community outreach are an effective strategy for recruiting individuals for HIV testing. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between outreach workers’ activities and VCT service uptake among key populations in Kendari City. This quantitative cross-sectional study used secondary data from community-level HIV service records of 2,785 individuals reached by fieldworkers. The study variables were outreach activity and VCT service uptake. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically to determine outreach outcomes and the success of referrals for HIV testing. The results showed that of the 2,785 individuals reached, 73.5% were referred and subsequently tested for HIV at VCT services. Successful referral rates were higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) (74.0%) than among transgender persons (59.3%). These findings suggest that effective outreach by fieldworkers significantly contributes to increased utilization of VCT services. Strengthening outreach activities is therefore essential to further improve HIV testing uptake among key populations.