An assessment of HIV testing in Tanzania to inform future strategies and interventions

Abstract

This study identified characteristics of Tanzanians who have never tested for HIV in order to inform localized interventions to increase HIV testing coverage and uptake. A total of 3257 randomly selected participants aged 18–49 years were surveyed in 16 Mainland regions. Those surveyed were asked about demographics, HIV risk perception, HIV testing behavior, knowledge of both their own and partner's HIV status, and if they were tested with their partner. Approximately 22% of women and 46% of men reported never testing for HIV, with those who are younger (18–24 years), single/never married, living in rural areas, less educated, and having multiple sexual partners in the past year less likely to have tested. The gender differences in HIV testing behavior identified are supported by existing research. No association was found in either gender between HIV risk perception and testing, however, those least likely to test were those with multiple sex partners. These findings can help better target localized interventions focused on younger, single people, and those with multiple sex partners.