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

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.

Duke Scholars

Author Charles Muiruri Population Health Sciences

Author Brandon Knettel School of Nursing

Author John Alexander Bartlett Medicine, Infectious Diseases