Self-reported non-receipt of HIV test results: A silent barrier to HIV epidemic control in Mozambique

Abstract

IntroductionPeople living with HIV (PLHIV) and who are aware of their HIV status can access and benefit from antiretroviral therapy (ART) with subsequent individual and public health benefits; however, many PLHIV are unaware of their HIV status. We assessed the magnitude and determinants of self-reported non-receipt of HIV test results in adults aged 15–59 years old in Mozambique.MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of data from the 2015 Mozambique Immunization indicators, Malaria and HIV/AIDS (IMASIDA 2015). Eligible adults (15–59 years) from each selected household were interviewed and data on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, and HIV testing history were collected. Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with self-reported non-receipt of HIV test results. Population representative estimates were calculated.Results13,028 (90.8%) of 14,343 eligible participants were interviewed. A total of 6,654 (51.1%) respondents had previously been tested for HIV and were included in the analysis. Of these, 308 (4.6%; 95% CI: 3.70–5.77) self-reported not having received HIV test results. In the multivariable analysis, previous sexually transmitted infection (aOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.44–5.31), HIV stigmatizing attitudes (aOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.14–3.37), and lack of decision-making power towards health care seeking (aOR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.39–4.52) were associated with non-receipt of HIV test results. Whereas, secondary or higher education (aOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.12–0.54), higher HIV knowledge (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26–0.86), and age between 30–34 and 35–39 years old (aOR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28–0.80; and aOR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27–0.90, respectively), were associated with receipt of HIV test results.ConclusionsIn this nationally representative survey, self-reported non-receipt of HIV test results was high and of public health relevance. These findings suggest adaptation of HIV counseling and testing programs emphasizing individualized approaches that target the youngest, least educated and the poorest individuals, especially those living in rural areas.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of HIV Testing Among Pregnant Women: A Multilevel Analysis Using the Recent Demographic and Health Survey Data from 11 East African Countries

“…This finding was supported by studies conducted elsewhere. 18 , 21 , 27 Individuals with risky sexual behaviors live under persistent fear and uncertainty about their serostatus and are usually suspicious and worried that they might have infected with HIV, this could have urged them to develop habits of seeking voluntary counseling and testing service. 28 Concerning HIV/AIDS knowledge, pregnant women having higher and comprehensive knowledge about HIV had higher chances of HIV testing compared to women with low knowledge.…”

Prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among reproductive-age women in eastern Africa: multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys

“…Even though HIV testing is very crucial for all strategies related to care, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, it is less practiced among reproductive-age women, particularly in developing countries [ 6 , 16 ]. Every individual needs to know their HIV status for the benefit of themselves and others [ 1 , 20 , 21 ]. Although global efforts had made to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, its testing coverage remains low in developing countries [ 2 ].…”

A network-based model to explore the role of testing in the epidemiological control of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…For example, Lightfoot et al reported that using a social network strategy to distribute HIV self-test kits could reduce undiagnosed infections [ 19 ]. This suggested that factors such as age, residence, and education level should also be taken into consideration to develop more targeted promotion testing strategies [ 20 , 21 ].…”