Magnitude of HIV Index Case Testing among HIV Positive Clients Attending ART Clinic in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023

Abstract

Background: Index case testing is the provision of HIV testing services to family members or sexual partners of individuals already diagnosed with HIV. Its promotion stems from its potential to detect new cases, improve testing coverage, enhance ART retention, and provide convenience to affected families. Although evidence on index case testing in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area, is lacking, even, it is regarded as a crucial strategy for reducing HIV transmission among those unaware of their HIV status. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors with HIV index testing in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: The study utilized an institution-based cross-sectional study design. The recruitment of 387 HIV-positive clients was done using a simple random sampling technique, and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were employed for data collection. The collected data was entered into Kobo Collect software and later exported to STATA version 16 for analysis. In binary logistic regression, variables with a p-value below 0.25 were considered as candidates for multivariate logistic regression. An association was assessing if the p-value was below 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results: In the study, 380 (98.19% of participants) underwent the interview. The prevalence of HIV index case testing service was 38.7% (CI: 36.45% to 42.03%). Significant associations were observed between HIV index case testing and certain factors. Those with a higher education level (college and above) had 1.21 times higher odds (AOR) of undergoing index case testing (CI: 1.05 to 3.11). Married individuals had 2.30 times higher odds of receiving index case testing (AOR) (CI: 1.98 to 4.20). Participants engaged in work for monetary compensation had 1.66 times higher odds of undergoing index case testing (AOR) (CI: 1.58 to 4.71). Conclusion: The utilization of index case testing service was lower in this study compared to previous research. Higher education level (college and above), occupation involving work for monetary compensation, and being married were associated with HIV index case testing. To enhance uptake, community-based education programs and targeted training for HIV-positive individuals are recommended. These measures can raise awareness and encourage greater participation in index case testing.