A study to determine factors affecting participation of Tecahers in voluntary counselling and testing in Lusaka Central Zone Schools

The study was undertaken to determine factors affecting participation of teachers in Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) in Lusaka Central Zone Schools. The study utilized a survey research design and had a total population of 1,112 teachers. The sample included 100 teachers drawn using simple random sampling and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which had open and closed ended questions. Data was analysed quantitatively using tables, pie-charts and graphs. Among the findings of the study were factors like; stigmatization and discrimination of HIV positive people as causes of low participation in VCT. Most teachers do acknowledge the seriousness of the problem of the HIV/AIDS problem; and that VCT Centres were mostly located far from most teachers' location. The study also revealed that most teachers in Lusaka Central Zone were between 25-45 years, which is the most sexually active group and economically active; so the need to encourage them to go for VCT to protect them. Finally, the study also came up with some recommendations like:Government must establish more VCT Centres; There must be mass education for people to help remove the stigmatization and discrimination of HIV positive people;Counselors must safeguard the secrets and identity of people who pass through VCT; and Further studies on VCT should be conducted