Determinants of HIV testing and receipt of results among female adolescents age 15-24 years in Northern Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of HIV testing and receipt of results among female adolescents age 15-24 years in Northern Uganda. It is based on a sample of 342 respondents extracted from the 2011 UDHS secondary data. Data were ananlysed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using the chi-square statistics and logistic regression modeling to determine the predictors of HIV testing and receipt of results. The results indicate that the odds of testing for HIV and receipt of results increased with; age 17-19 years (OR = 2.249, p = 0.000) and 20-24 years (OR = 4.482, p = 0.000) compared to 15-16 year old; level of education (primary OR = 2.926, p = 0.006 and higer OR = 3.149, p = 0.005 compared to no education ); being married (OR = 3.655, P = 0.000), willingess to disclose HIV status (OR = 2.267, p = 0.006 ), relation to household heads (OR = 8.536, p = 0.028, OR = 7.432, p = 0.000) and ever had a child (OR = 6.158. P = 0.000). Thus, older female adolescents, with primary or higher levels of education, married, willing to disclose HIV status, related to household head and ever had a child are more likely to test for HIV and receive results than the younger female adolescents. Level of education, marital status, willingness to disclose HIV status, relationship to household head and ever had a child are significant determinant of HIV testing and receipts of results among female adolescents 15-24 years in Northern Uganda. HIV testing programs should target young adolescents so as to increase the low proportion of those testing in this group. Specific attention also needs to paid to those who have never been in union. The influence of HIV stigma on utilization of HIV testing is evident. HIV stakeholders should continue with rigorous campaign against stigma among young people to empower them and remove the fear associated with HIV stigma so to increase access to and utilization of HIV testing services. Government and other HIV stakeholders should continue to strengthen existing health communication programs.