Determinants of HIV testing among young people in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has one of the largest concentrations of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world. HIV testing is one of the strategies in the  HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in South Africa. However, utilization of this service is low especially among young people. The objective of the study is to establish the factors influencing HIV testing among young people in South Africa. The study used data from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey. Chi-square test was used to test the association of HIV testing and each independent variable whereas multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HIV testing. The study indicate that 56.9% of males and 67.8% of females had undertaken HIV test in 2016. Chi-square test showed that all background characteristics have significant relationships with HIV testing. The multivariate logistics regression revealed that age, ethnicity and region were major factors affecting HIV testing among both young males and female in the country. In addition, marital status and number of sexual factors were important contributors to HIV testing among young females only. The findings of the study reveal that HIV testing among young male and female in South Africa is moderate. To achieve the 95-95-95 goal by 2030 there is need to strengthen the HIV testing programmes for young people. Given the observed gender disparities on factors influencing HIV testing, there is a need to introduce gender specific strategies.

Key words: HIV Testing, Young People, Males, Females, South Africa