Individual and partner characteristics associated with HIV testing and counseling uptake among individuals 50 years or older in Tanzania.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

HIV prevention efforts have historically focused on people aged 15-49, despite mounting evidence of risk behavior and increased disease burden among older adults. We analyzed survey data from 600 adults ≥ 50 years in the Rombo District of Tanzania. Logistic regression models were performed to evaluate individual and partner-level factors associated with HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) uptake. In this sample, more than half of participants were sexually active and condom use was rare, but only 57% had ever been tested for HIV. Ten were HIV-infected (1.7%); this prevalence was approximately one-third that observed among general population in Tanzania (4.7%). Individual factors associated with increased HTC uptake included younger age, female gender, greater educational attainment, and having health insurance. Partner factors associated with increased HTC uptake included lower partner age and higher partner education. This population demonstrated substantial HIV risk, warranting tailored interventions to raise awareness and increase HTC uptake.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Muiruri, C; Swai, SJ; Ramadhani, HO; Knettel, BA; Mahande, MJ; Msuya, SE; Bartlett, JA

Published Date

  • December 2019

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 30 / 14

Start / End Page

  • 1425 - 1431

PubMed ID

  • 31747843

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC7183535

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1758-1052

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1177/0956462419874990

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England