HIV testing among adults in a high prevalence district in India.
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Date
2009-11
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Abstract
Background. HIV testing is a key component of HIV
control efforts. We examined the distribution of HIV testing
in a population-based sample from Guntur district in Andhra
Pradesh, which is estimated to have one of the highest
prevalence rates of HIV in India.
Methods. A total of 12 994 persons (15–49 years of
age) were interviewed in Guntur district. We assessed associations
with the uptake of HIV test, place and reasons for undergoing
HIV testing and awareness of voluntary counselling and
testing centres (VCTC) among sexually active adults.
Results. The age-, sex-, urban- and rural-adjusted prevalence
of HIV testing was 21.1% (95% CI: 19.1–23.2). The uptake
of HIV test was higher in women (27.2%) than in men (18.8%).
Increasing education level, urban area residence and being in an
occupation requiring mobility were significantly associated with
uptake of the HIV test. A previous test for HIV was reported by
37.8% of men and 30.3% of women. The adjusted prevalence
of VCTC awareness was 5.4% (95% CI: 4.3–6.4), being higher
in men (9.2%) than in women (3.5%). Among those who had
undergone HIV testing, 83.9% of men and 76.2% of women
did so at a private sector health facility. Women were significantly
more likely to under-go testing at VCTC/public sector facility
(23.5%) than men (15%). More men (47.6%) than women
(3.3%) reported undergoing testing voluntarily (p<0.001).
Women reported pregnancy (57.4%) as the most common
reason for undergoing the test.
Conclusion. These population-based data highlight the
patterns of HIV testing and their associations. The high proportion of HIV testing in the private sector suggests the need to strengthen counselling in this sector to enhance HIV
prevention activities.
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Dandona Rakhi, Kumar S G Prem, Kumar G Anil, Lakshmi Vemu, Dandona Lalit. HIV testing among adults in a high prevalence district in India. National Medical Journal of India. 2009 Nov-Dec; 22(6): 289-293.