Socio-demographic correlates of HIV testing among women in conflict areas – Northern Uganda

Elizabeth Nansubuga, Makerere University
Gideon Rutaremwa, Makerere University
Godwin Turyasingura, Makerere University

HIV Counselling and Testing is vital as it provides an opportunity for those infected to seek medical attention for early symptoms of AIDS related illnesses and to protect themselves and others from further infections. An estimated 80% HIV-infected adults in Uganda are unaware of their sero status and thus unable to access treatment and care. Sero-prevalence is highest in Northern Uganda due to the poor sexual and reproductive health indicators as a result of the insurgency with women more infected. The objective of this paper is to investigate the socio-demographic correlates of HIV testing among women in conflict areas of Northern Uganda. Using the Uganda Demographic Health Survey of 2006 dataset, 1,127 women were studied. Multivariate (logistic regression) analysis was done using STATA. Results show that the never married women are less likely to test for HIV/AIDS as compared to the formerly married (p = 0.000). While those aged between 20 to 34 years are also more likely to test for the AIDS virus as compared to those aged 40 years and above. Women residing in urban areas are more likely to test as compared to their counterparts, (p=0.018). In addition, those with primary education are also less likely to test as compared to those with tertiary or higher education, (p = 0.031). In addition, having more than one sexual partner and using condoms at last sexual encounter are also correlates of HIV testing among women in Northern Uganda. The fitted model was significant at a p-value of 0.000. It is recommended that access to health services in particular HIV testing services should be increased in rural areas so as to enable more people to access HIV testing services in Northern Uganda. This will enable the rural populations to have access to HIV testing services.