HIV testing service utilization and its association with HIV-related knowledge among students in higher education institutions in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

To estimate the pooled prevalence of HIV testing service utilization and its association with HIV-related knowledge among students in higher education institutions in Ethiopia. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically reviewed for published articles on HIV testing or voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service utilization among students in higher education institutions in Ethiopia. The Higgins I2 test was used to assess the heterogeneity between the studies. A random-effects model was applied to determine the pooled prevalence of VCT service utilization. After reviewing 348 studies, 14 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled magnitude of VCT service utilization among students in higher education institutions in Ethiopia was 46.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.1, 56.9). The odds of VCT service utilization were 2.6 times as high among students who had good HIV-related knowledge as those who had poor HIV-related knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.31–5.31). In general, it was found that VCT service utilization among students at higher education institutions in Ethiopia was low. More than half (54.0%) of students did not know their HIV status. Good HIV-related knowledge was positively associated with VCT service utilization. Therefore, to encourage HIV testing utilization, the HIV education program should be strengthened through institutional capacity-building (training) and improving supply chain systems (AIDS leaflets, stickers, newspapers, and billboards).