Factors associated with low HIV testing uptake among Adolescents and young adults in Boitekanelo College, Botswana
1
School of Public Health, Boitekanelo College, Tlokweng, Botswana
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A529
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
HIV represents a significant public health challenge, contributing to increased mortality and morbidity in developing countries, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. While HIV testing is crucial for early treatment and prevention, the uptake of the HIV testing among the adolescent and young adults in Botswana remains low. This study aims to identify predictors of low HIV testing uptake among adolescents and young adults
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was obtained using a questionnaire employing a simple random sampling technique to collect the survey data. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of low HIV testing uptake.
RESULTS:
A total of 353 participants were recruited, almost two thirds (64.9%; n=229) knew their HIV status and 35% (n=124) were unaware of their status. On multivariate analysis, participants in casual relationships (OR 1.776,95%CI 0.998-3.160, P<0.049), lived more than 5 km from the HIV testing centres (OR 1.825,95%CI 1.074-3.103, P<0.026) were positively associated with not knowing one's HIV status. Participants with negative attitudes towards HIV testing were significantly 69% less likely to be unaware of their HIV status (OR 0.310,95% CI 0. 1.704-3.103, P=0.026). Those aged 15-19 years(AOR 1.607, 95% CI 0.894-2.888), Christians (AOR 2.347, 95% CI 0.188-29.295), Muslim (AOR 1.7647, 95% CI 0.046-59.506), African traditional religion (AOR 1.718, 95% CI 0.084-35.004), cohabiting (AOR 3.45, 95% CI 0.271-43.979), single (AOR 2.018, 95% CI 0.166-24.499), and those in transactional relationships (AOR 1.098, 95% CI 0.189-6.382) were also likely to be unaware of their HIV status
CONCLUSIONS:
This study offers insightful information on HIV testing discrepancies among Botswana's adolescents and young adults. To meet UNAIDS's goal of "zero new infections” by 2030, the nation must enhance testing accessibility and HIV prevention through targeted initiatives that address key variables for younger age groups.
HIV represents a significant public health challenge, contributing to increased mortality and morbidity in developing countries, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. While HIV testing is crucial for early treatment and prevention, the uptake of the HIV testing among the adolescent and young adults in Botswana remains low. This study aims to identify predictors of low HIV testing uptake among adolescents and young adults
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was obtained using a questionnaire employing a simple random sampling technique to collect the survey data. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of low HIV testing uptake.
RESULTS:
A total of 353 participants were recruited, almost two thirds (64.9%; n=229) knew their HIV status and 35% (n=124) were unaware of their status. On multivariate analysis, participants in casual relationships (OR 1.776,95%CI 0.998-3.160, P<0.049), lived more than 5 km from the HIV testing centres (OR 1.825,95%CI 1.074-3.103, P<0.026) were positively associated with not knowing one's HIV status. Participants with negative attitudes towards HIV testing were significantly 69% less likely to be unaware of their HIV status (OR 0.310,95% CI 0. 1.704-3.103, P=0.026). Those aged 15-19 years(AOR 1.607, 95% CI 0.894-2.888), Christians (AOR 2.347, 95% CI 0.188-29.295), Muslim (AOR 1.7647, 95% CI 0.046-59.506), African traditional religion (AOR 1.718, 95% CI 0.084-35.004), cohabiting (AOR 3.45, 95% CI 0.271-43.979), single (AOR 2.018, 95% CI 0.166-24.499), and those in transactional relationships (AOR 1.098, 95% CI 0.189-6.382) were also likely to be unaware of their HIV status
CONCLUSIONS:
This study offers insightful information on HIV testing discrepancies among Botswana's adolescents and young adults. To meet UNAIDS's goal of "zero new infections” by 2030, the nation must enhance testing accessibility and HIV prevention through targeted initiatives that address key variables for younger age groups.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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