Prevalence and determinants of recent HIV testing among older persons in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Stephen Ojiambo Wandera,Fred Maniragaba,Betty Kwagala

doi:10.1186/s12889-020-8193-z

Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, Fred Maniragaba + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8193-z

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Abstract

BackgroundThere is limited research on HIV testing among older persons in Uganda. The aim of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic determinants of recent HIV testing among older persons in selected rural districts in Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 649 older men and women age 50 years and older, from central (Masaka district) and western (Hoima district) Uganda was conducted. Frequency distributions, chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the association between recent HIV testing and selected explanatory variables.ResultsNearly six in ten (58%) of older persons had primary education. About 60% of the respondents were in union and 13% of them had two or more spouses. Half of the older people (51%) had sex in the last twelve months. A quarter (25%) of older persons gave or received gifts in exchange for sex in their lifetime. Nearly a third (29%) reported sexually transmitted infections in the last 12 months. Prevalence of lifetime HIV testing was 82% and recent (last 12 months) HIV testing was 53%. HIV testing in the last 12 months was associated with age (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.31–0.79), self-reported sexually transmitted infections (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.00–2.30), male circumcision (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.0–2.93), and sexual activity in the last 12 months (OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.83–4.57).ConclusionRecent HIV testing among older persons was associated with younger age, self-reported STIs, male circumcision, and sexual activity among older persons in rural Uganda. HIV testing interventions need to target older persons who are 70 years and older, who were less likely to test.

Highlights

There is limited research on HIV testing among older persons in Uganda
With respect to HIV knowledge and attitude factors, the majority (65%) had correct knowledge on 4–5 HIV transmission statements, had less or no HIV associated stigma (67%), agreed to the need to test for HIV once a year (95%), and the need for male circumcision to prevent HIV (69%)
Some of the respondents reported suffering from STIs in the past 12 months (29%) and were circumcised (17%)

Summary

Introduction

There is limited research on HIV testing among older persons in Uganda. In Uganda, during the drafting of the policy for older persons in 2009, age 60 years and older was used [2, 3]. Several studies adopted age 50 and older, as an appropriate definition of Globally, the proportion of older persons (age 60 years and older) in 2017 was 13% of the total population [15]. This proportion is projected to increase to 30% by 2050 [16]. The highest proportion of older persons is projected to live in developing countries by 2050 [20]

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