Abstract
Introduction: This study investigated the correlation between HIV awareness and willingness to test among men in the Dormaa East District.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to March 2025, involving 410 men aged 15 years and above. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were employed in the analysis of the data.
Results: A total of 83.3% of participants were aware of HIV testing programs, while 75.3% expressed willingness to undergo testing. However, higher levels of awareness were associated with a reduced reported willingness to undergo testing (P<0.001). In the adjusted model, awareness of HIV testing services remained a significant predictor of testing willingness (AOR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.03–5.28). Educational attainment was also significantly associated with willingness, as men who completed senior high school were less likely to report willingness to test compared to those with primary education (AOR=0.39; 95% CI: 0.14–0.90).
Conclusion: Despite a high level of awareness of HIV testing services among men in Dormaa East, this awareness does not translate into increased willingness to undergo testing, highlighting a paradox of high awareness coupled with low willingness. Targeted interventions addressing psychosocial and contextual barriers, particularly among more educated men, are necessary to translate awareness into actual utilization of HIV testing services.