The Optimization of HIV Testing in Eastern Indonesia: Findings from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

There is a concerning increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence in eastern Indonesia. HIV testing rates in this area are the lowest in the country. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of HIV testing in the Public Health Centers (PHCs) in eastern Indonesia. A cross-sectional study design was utilized using secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). We focused the survey on eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua) with PHC settings. After we weighted and removed missing data, we obtained 2118 surveys (425 males and 1693 females aged 14–54 years). Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the determinants of HIV testing optimization in eastern Indonesia with a significance level of p < 0.05. The HIV testing coverage at the PHCs in eastern Indonesia was found to be 28.28%. From the survey, we found that respondents from the province of Papua (AOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.09–1.91), those who were female (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.75–3.12), and those with more information on HIV (AOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.41–2.51) were more likely to undergo HIV testing at the PHCs. Meanwhile, the wealthiest respondents (AOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42–0.89) and the respondents who engaged in the perpetuation of stigmatization (AOR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.42–1.02) were less likely to undergo HIV testing at the PHCs. The coverage of HIV testing in eastern Indonesia needs special attention from the Indonesian government. Increasing equity, distributing information regarding HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) through social media, and creating accessible HIV testing in rural areas are vital for developing appropriate interventions.

Factors associated with knowledge of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS among young adults in Indonesia: Analysis of IYARHS

“…Another study examining the MTCT of HIV practice found that age, education, and attitude played a significant role (Sekar et al, 2021) In relation to MTCT, early screening can be carried out to obtain the initial diagnosis. The significance of HIV testing for early HIV/AIDS prevention, particularly in the Eastern half of Indonesia, must also be emphasized (Ibrahim et al, 2022). Given that hospitals have hosted the majority of successful MTCT programs, primary health care should integrate MTCT prevention effectively (Indrawati & Setyani, 2019).…”

Investigation of discriminatory attitude toward people living with HIV in the family context using socio-economic factors and information sources: A nationwide study in Indonesia

“…21 in 2013 concerning HIV and AIDS prevention ( Kemenkes, 2013 ). In the act, it is stated that the government’s efforts to combat HIV and AIDS include interventions to eliminate discrimination and stigma toward PLHIV and to provide services, especially health services, that are accessible to and optimized for PLHIV ( Ibrahim et al, 2022 ). As part of these efforts, the government has promoted health using mass media to target the wider community and government agencies; this is aimed at empowering PLHIV within their communities and encouraging all community members to not discriminate against PLHIV in health services, education, and employment and in life in general ( Kemenkes, 2013 ; Pranita, 2019 ; Rakhman, 2019 ).…”

Nursing Care on HIV/AIDS-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Nurse’s Perspective in Indonesia

“…Based on statistics from the Indonesian Health Profile, the number of adult HIV-positive reports remained high [ 1 ]. These numbers can be contrasted to those from 2018 when 50,282 HIV-positive infections were recorded in Indonesia [ 2 ]. While HIV transmission rates among female sex workers and those who inject drugs have remained stable or declined, the incidence of HIV among men who have had sex with another man (MSM) has increased at least three-fold over the previous decade, going from 5.3% in 2007 to 17.9% in 2019.…”