Uptake and factors associated with HIV self-testing among women in South Africa

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing (ST) is a convenient and discreet practice to know HIV status. It is required to reach the underserved population subgroups. We examined the uptake and factors associated with HIVST among reproductive-aged South African women.

Methods: A sample of 8182 women from 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey data were analysed. Percentage and multivariable logistic regression model were conducted. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Approximately 3.1% of women had HIVST uptake. Respondents with primary education had a 75% reduction in the odds of HIVST, compared with women who had no formal education. Women who are employed were 1.44 times as likely to have HIVST uptake compared to those not employed. Women aged 20–24 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years, and 40–44 years had about two times higher odds of HIVST, when compared with women aged 15–19 years. Women who read newspaper or magazine less than once a week or at least once a week were 1.90 and 2.25 times as likely to have HIVST uptake, respectively, when compared with those who do not read at all.

Conclusion: The prevalence of HIVST uptake was low. HIVST was associated with women’s sociodemographic characteristics. The findings highlight the importance of addressing women’s needs to know their HIV status.

Contribution: This study adds to the body of literature in understanding the utilisation patterns of HIVST across women in South Africa.