Introduction: HIV remains a leading cause of death globally, with over two-thirds of the cases in sub-Saharan Africa. Zimbabwe, a country located in East Africa, part of Sub-Saharan Africa, ranks in the top five countries with the highest prevalence of HIV in Africa (HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe estimated as 21.4% in 2019). Previous studies demonstrated HIV testing prevalence of 66.9% in East Africa. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV testing amongst women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe, alongside some predictors of HIV testing amongst this population.
Methods: Cross-sectional study design using the 2015 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data for women aged 15-49. The prevalence of HIV testing as the outcome variable and the highest educational level, age at first sex, current marital status, and condom use as the predictor variables of interest were assessed. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percents) and test of significance (using Chi-squared test)were conducted. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were completed to assess for the independent relationship between each predictor variable and HIV testing prevalence and, all predictor variables and HIV testing prevalence, respectively. Odds ratio estimates, 95% confidence intervals and p-values werereported. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4. The initial sample size included 9955 women. However, the effective sample size used in the statistical analysis was 7130 after accounting for missing variables.
Results: About 9 in 10 women in the sample had ever been tested for HIV. Secondary education was the most prevalent highest level of education (64%). About 67% women had their first sex at age 15-19; peak incidence seen at ages 17 and 18 (15.3%). Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations between all independent variables and HIV testing (P-value
Conclusion: Increasing highest educational level, age at first sex and condom use in Zimbabwe would likely increase the prevalence of HIV testing further. Focused education on the importance of HIV testing before the age of 15 will be beneficial in ensuring HIV testing as soon as sexual intercourse is established. Policy efforts are needed to address these HIV testing predictors. Causality is not implied.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:asrf-2174 |
| Date | 25 April 2023 |
| Creators | Anazor, Sandra O, MD, Nriagu, Valentine C, Quinn, Megan |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Appalachian Student Research Forum |
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