Uptake of HIV testing among women of reproductive age in Tajikistan: An assessment of individual determinants.

Abstract

Introduction: Over the past decade, the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Tajikistan increased significantly, with women particularly vulnerable to acquiring HIV. This research assessed individual determinants associated with HIV testing among women of reproductive age.

Methods: Secondary data analysis was done using data from 5,867 females aged 15-49 years. Chi-square test, t-test, and multivariate analysis were applied to find associations between women's socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive health variables, and HIV testing uptake.

Results: Overall, only 26% (1,501) of women in the present research reported HIV testing in the past. Multiple regression indicated that HIV testing was significantly associated with participants' age (25-34 age group: OR 0.7, p ≤ 0.001; 35-49 age group: OR 0.2, p ≤ 0.001), education (OR 2.2, p ≤ 0.001), area of residence (OR 0.6, p ≤ 0.001), marital status (OR 2.4, p ≤ 0.001), HIV knowledge (OR 1.1, p ≤ 0.001), and pregnancy history (OR 6.7, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion: Results of this research suggest that there is a need for culturally acceptable interventions, including outreach to increase the overall HIV testing rate among women in Tajikistan.