Abstract
<strong>Introduction: </strong>Improving HIV testing among Key Populations (populations at high risk) is the first step to achieve 90:90:90 treatment targets. Studying the time taken to HIV testing and subsequent clinic visits to uptake the test results provide important inputs for development of HIV prevention programmes. <strong> </strong> <strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to understand the pattern of HIV testing behavior of Female Sex Workers (FSWs) over the time and provide recommendations for development of HIV prevention programmes for FSWs <strong> </strong> <strong>Methods: </strong>HIV testing data of 5,667 FSWs registered with national HIV prevention programme in 10 Districts of Sri Lanka during 2016 and 2017 were analyzed using, survival data analysis techniques and extended Prentice, Williams & Peterson (PWP) gap time model. <strong> </strong> <strong>Results: </strong>Time taken to acceptance of HIV test is more dependent on individual factors of FSWs whereas uptake of test result is less dependent on individual factors. Youth FSWs take more time to accept an HIV test. FSWs who are operating in Districts out of Colombo, use condoms, reported undergone HIV testing before join the programme, take more time for HIV testing and uptake test results. FSWs with high partner exchange rate (therefore at high risk) are less likely to complete both events and take more time for testing. Interaction between FSW typology and condom use was found with the use of PWP model. <strong> </strong> <strong>Conclusion: </strong>High risk FSWs are more reluctant for HIV testing and uptake of test results. Factors identified in the study as associated with time taken for both events can be taken into account in planning future HIV preventions programs among FSWs.
Highlights
Improving HIV testing among Key Populations is the first step to achieve 90:90:90 treatment targets
High risk Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are more reluctant for HIV testing and uptake of test results
Factors identified in the study as associated with time taken for both events can be taken into account in planning future HIV preventions programs among FSWs
Summary
Improving HIV testing among Key Populations (populations at high risk) is the first step to achieve 90:90:90 treatment targets. Studying the time taken to HIV testing and subsequent clinic visits to uptake the test results provide important inputs for development of HIV prevention programmes. As of end 2017, a cumulative total of 2842 HIV positive cases have been reported to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP), Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. [3] Achievement of this treatment target is important for an AIDS free generation in future. Improving HIV testing coverage among key populations (KPs) or most at risk populations is the crucial first step to achieve 90-90-90 treatment targets. Studies have shown that nearly one third of patients screened for HIV by traditional programs with pre-test information and blood tests that are sent to a central laboratory fail to return for follow-up visits to learn the results [4]
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