HIV retesting and risk behaviors among high-risk, HIV-uninfected adults in Uganda. Issue 5 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marson, Kara; Ndyabakira, Alex; Kwarisiima, Dalsone; Camlin, Carol S.; Kamya, Moses R.; Havlir, Diane; Thirumurthy, Harsha; Chamie, Gabriel
• Is Part Of: AIDS care. Volume 33:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 675
• Page End: 681
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: HIV -- retesting -- risk behaviors -- venue-based recruitment -- key populations; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; 362.1969792
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1842319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: There are limited data characterizing HIV retesting among high-risk adults in sub-Saharan Africa. From October-December 2018, we distributed recruitment cards offering health evaluations with HIV testing at venues frequented by individuals at-risk of HIV infection in Southwest Uganda. Those who attended were asked about their HIV testing history and risk factors: having >1 sexual partner, an HIV+ partner, STIs, and/or transactional sex. We defined "highest risk" as ≥3 risk factors and "frequent testing" as ≥3 tests within the past year. Of 1, 777 cards distributed, 1, 482 (83%) adults came to clinic: median age was 26(IQR: 22-31), 598 (40%) were men, and 334 (23%) were HIV+. Of 1, 148 HIV-negative adults, 338 (29%) were highest risk and 205 (18%) were frequent testers. Frequent testing was similar in women (19%) and men (16%, p = 0.22). Among women, those at highest risk were more likely to report any testing (90% vs. 81%, p = 0.01) and frequent testing (25% vs. 18%, p = 0.06) than those at lower risk. Among men, any testing and frequent testing were similar between risk levels. Among adults recruited from high-risk venues in peri-urban Uganda, HIV risk behaviors were commonly reported, yet frequent retesting remained low. Interventions to promote retesting are needed, particularly among men.