Index Case HIV Testing Uptake and its Associated Factors at Oromia, Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lack of index case testing increased the risk of contracting HIV among the families of index clients, partners, and biological children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of index case HIV testing uptake and its associated factors at Oromia, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A face-to-face interviewer administered structured questionnaire and chart review checklist were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regressions were executed and statistical significance was declared at P < .05. RESULTS: The prevalence of index case testing was 80.2%. Factors associated with index case HIV testing uptake included HIV status disclosure (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI 2.1, 14.0), discussed about HIV with family (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2, 7.5), counseling of the index case (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.7, 10.6), perceived benefit of the index case tested (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.5, 8.7), being on ART 12 months or more (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.1, 6.1), and maintained privacy (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.3, 7.1). CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of index case HIV testing was moderately high. Additionally, factors such as HIV status disclosure, discussion of HIV with family, counseling of the index case, perception of the benefits of HIV testing for the index case, duration of clients on ART, and privacy maintenance during service delivery were significantly associated with index case HIV testing. To enhance index case testing, it is crucial to raise awareness and ensure client privacy during the initial HTC visit. Encouraging HIV status disclosure through discussion and promoting adherence to HIV medication is also recommended.