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Background <p>HIV testing uptake among young people in Ghana remains low despite increased awareness. Existing evidence on factors influencing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is scattered. This review synthesises key barriers and facilitators to inform targeted prevention strategies.</p> Methods <p>Aromataris and Pearson’s framework and PRISMA guidelines guided the review. Studies published between 2000 and November 2025 were sourced from major databases and grey literature. Eligible studies examined determinants of VCT among young people in Ghana, and quality was assessed using standard appraisal tools.</p> Results <p>Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Barriers included fear and stigma, low perceived risk, social discouragement, and service-level constraints. Facilitators included accessible and youth-friendly services, personal motivation, supportive social networks, community and faith-based engagement, confidence in care, and protective sexual behaviours. Four studies had low risk of bias and four had moderate risk.</p> Conclusion <p>VCT uptake among Ghanaian youth is shaped by psychosocial, social, and structural factors. Enhancing youth-friendly services, strengthening social support, and improving risk perception can improve HIV testing uptake.</p>

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A systematic review of barriers and facilitators to voluntary counselling and testing for HIV among young people in Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月20日

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  • Christiana Asiedu,
  • Bernard Nabe,
  • Godswill Sedinam Lanyo,
  • Yvonne Yawa Battanis,
  • Emmanuella Florence Odi Asiedu

摘要

Background

HIV testing uptake among young people in Ghana remains low despite increased awareness. Existing evidence on factors influencing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is scattered. This review synthesises key barriers and facilitators to inform targeted prevention strategies.

Methods

Aromataris and Pearson’s framework and PRISMA guidelines guided the review. Studies published between 2000 and November 2025 were sourced from major databases and grey literature. Eligible studies examined determinants of VCT among young people in Ghana, and quality was assessed using standard appraisal tools.

Results

Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Barriers included fear and stigma, low perceived risk, social discouragement, and service-level constraints. Facilitators included accessible and youth-friendly services, personal motivation, supportive social networks, community and faith-based engagement, confidence in care, and protective sexual behaviours. Four studies had low risk of bias and four had moderate risk.

Conclusion

VCT uptake among Ghanaian youth is shaped by psychosocial, social, and structural factors. Enhancing youth-friendly services, strengthening social support, and improving risk perception can improve HIV testing uptake.