HIV counseling and testing uptake among adults in Amhara region; North West Ethiopia

Abstract

The future course of effective HIV/AIDS prevention and control depends on a number of factors. HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) has been considered an essential service and a vital entry point in the management of HIV/AIDS; providing a continuum for HIV prevention and provision of care, treatment and support services. According to Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2011, the national HIV counseling and testing uptake coverage was quite lower, only four in every ten Ethiopians know their HIV status. This study focused on uptake of HIV counseling and testing and its determinants in adults. A secondary data analysis was carried out on Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2005 and 2011 records. In the study 6564 (age 15-49 years) study subjects were included. Spatial data of Amhara region was integrated and analyzed with data mining techniques. HIV testing uptake coverage was much lower (2%) in 2005 and raised to 37% in 2011. The coverage of HIV testing uptake in the region demonstrates significant increase; however, it is still reasonably lower. Lack of information about where to get HIV testing, low mass media exposure, discriminating attitude, rural residence and living far away from Health Centers and Hospitals were found to be major reasons. Concerned bodies need to focus more on information, education and communication interventions and universal accessibility of HIV counseling and testing service.

Keywords: Amhara, Ethiopia, HIV Testing Uptake, Spatial distance