Voluntary counselling and testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has always been one of the key policy interventions in the management and control of HIV/AIDS transmission. However, the prevalence of HIV testing among reproductive women in the Gambia remains low despite near universal information about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the Gambia. Understanding factors influencing HIV testing uptake provides empirical data for the development of targeted evidenced-based strategies aimed at enhancing HIV testing uptake. Therefore, this study examined the factors associated with HIV testing among reproductive women aged 15–49 years in the Gambia. Data on weighted sample of 11,865 women from the 2019–2020 Gambia Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed in this study. Chi square, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted and analysis conducted through Complex Samples Analysis in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Level of significance was set at p < 0.05 and 95% CI. Further analysis was conducted to determine the variability in HIV testing among women stratified by rural and urban centers. Prevalence of HIV testing among reproductive women was 42.1% (95% CI = 40.1–44.2%) in the Gambia. Women aged 20–24 years and 25–29 years (aOR = 3.10, 95% CI = 2.51–3.83) and (aOR = 4.52, 95% CI = 3.61–5.54) were more likely to test for HIV than those aged 15–19 years, respectively. Married women (aOR = 5.90, 95% CI = 4.84–7.02) were more likely to test for HIV compared to those who were not in any union. Respondents with higher education in urban centers (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.08–3.86) were likely to test for HIV compared to those in rural areas. HIV testing in the Gambia among reproductive women is low. Age, marital status, wealth index, place of residence, educational level, recent sexual activity, previous history of risky sexual behaviors, and history of an STI were associated with HIV testing. Health interventions targeted at increasing HIV testing uptake should factor in these.

Background Maternal knowledge on mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and its prevention has been identified to enhance maternal testing and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen. Examining prevalence and associated factors on MTCT and its prevention among women provides empirical evidence for design and implementation of health strategies aimed at increasing MTCT knowledge and its elimination. This study therefore examined women’s comprehensive knowledge and associated factors on MTCT and its prevention among childbearing women in Rwanda. Methods Analysis was conducted on a weighted sample of 14,634 women from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS). Dataset cleaning and missing value analysis was conducted. Chi square, bivariate and multivariable regression was then conducted in complex samples in SPSS. Alpha level set at p < 0.05 and at 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI). All analysis were adjusted for unequal probability sampling using survey weights. Bivariate and multivariable results were reported with crude and adjusted odds ratios. Results The mean age was 29.2 years, SD-9.1. Prevalence of HIV testing and comprehensive knowledge on MTCT and its prevention among women in Rwanda was 79.6% and 65.1% respectively. Findings from this study showed that married women have higher odds (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.04–1.35) of comprehensive knowledge on MTCT and its prevention compared to those unmarried. Women who were living in southern (aOR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.02–1.48) and eastern (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.13–1.66) parts of Rwanda were more likely to have adequate knowledge on MTCT of HIV and its prevention than those in Kigali. Also, women who received post-test counselling (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01–2.11) have increased knowledge on MTCT than those who did not. Women with access to radio (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.06–1.32) and television (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07–1.45) at least once a week were more likely to have adequate knowledge on MTCT and its prevention compared to those who do not in Rwanda. Conclusion There is inadequate knowledge on MTCT and its elimination among women of reproductive age in Rwanda. Strategies to enhance knowledge on MTCT and its prevention among childbearing women should be adopted through rigorous educational sensitization campaigns using local media such as radio and television. Health services that focus on prevention of MTCT must emphasize post-test counselling.