2019 Articles

Low rates of prior HIV testing among HIV-positive adults accessing outpatient services in Eswatini

Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Harriet; Wu, Yingfeng; Gachuhi, Averie B.; McNairy, Margaret L.; Madau, Veli; Lamb, Mathew; Mazibuko, Sikhathele; Mnisi, Zandile; Burke, Sean; Philip, Neena; Sahabo, Ruben; El Sadr, Wafaa M.

Prior HIV testing and awareness of HIV-positive status were assessed among HIV-positive adults at 20 clinics in Eswatini. Of 2196 HIV-positive adults, 1183 (53.8%) reported no prior HIV testing, and 1948 (88.7%) were unaware of their HIV-positive status. Males [adjusted odds ratio, AOR, (95% confidence interval): 0.7 (0.5–0.9)], youth 18–25 years [AOR 0.6 (0.4–0.95)], adults ≥ 50 years [AOR 0.5 (0.3–0.9)], those needing family support [AOR 0.6 (0.5–0.8)], and those living ≥ 45 min from clinic [AOR 0.5 (0.4–0.8)] were less likely to know their HIV-positive status. More HIV testing is needed to achieve 95-95-95 targets, with targeted strategies for those less likely to test for HIV.