Prevalence and determinants of HIV Testing-Seeking Behaviors Among women of Reproductive age in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2022 Demographic and health survey

Prevalence and determinants of HIV Testing-Seeking Behaviors Among women of Reproductive age in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2022 Demographic and health survey | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Prevalence and determinants of HIV Testing-Seeking Behaviors Among women of Reproductive age in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2022 Demographic and health survey Jackson Micheal Asingwire, Isaac Isiko, Kuli Faith Rombe, Aaron Mwesigwa, and 8 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5082224/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 06 Feb, 2025 Read the published version in AIDS Research and Therapy → Version 1 posted 9 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Aim: HIV remains one of the major epidemics and public health concerns within low and middle-income countries such as Tanzania. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with HIV testing-seeking behaviours among women of childbearing age in Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional national survey that was conducted in 2022 in Tanzania by the ministries of health of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The 2022 TDHS-MIS employed Household, Women’s Questionnaire, Men’s Questionnaire, the Child Health Questionnaire and the Micronutrient Questionnaire. All the data analysis and cleaning were done using STATA version 17 at a significance level of p < 0.05 and 95% CI. Results: This study included 2531 women with 2354 having ever tested for HIV while 177 had never tested for HIV. Not employed [AOR:0.35, CI (0.20-0.61)] has lower odds of HIV testing than All-year employed status. Rural residents have reduced odds of HIV testing [ AOR:0.43, CI (0.21-0.88)] compared to women living in urban areas. Those able to ask their partner to use a condom are more likely to have been tested with increased odds [ AOR: 3.52, CI (2.31-5.37)]. Participants with a history of genital discharge [ AOR:4.30, CI (1.28-14.46)] and those who don’t know their genital discharge history have [ AOR: 0.20, CI (0.07-0.55)] are significant for HIV testing. Women who have heard about PrEP but are not uncertain about its approval [AOR: 36.07, CI (3.33-390.25)], respondents who have tested before with HIV testing kits [ AOR:35.99, CI (4.00-324.13)] and women who are aware of HIV testing kids but never tested with them before [ AOR: 2.80, CI (1.19-6.58)] are predictors of HIV testing seeking behaviours. Conclusion: Unemployed individuals, Participants able to discuss condom use with their partners, women with recent genital symptoms, such as discharge, living in rural areas, and being aware of and use of HIV test kits are associated with HIV testing among women. This suggests barriers tied to economic and geographic factors calling for interventions such as open communication among couples, improved health care delivery in rural areas hence improving testing access, increasing awareness of prevention methods, and fostering communication within relationships can effectively enhance HIV testing rates in the communities. HIV HIV self-testing health-seeking behaviours HIV prevalence Youth reproductive health Tanzania 2022TDHS Introduction Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of the global HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) burden, accounting for approximately 67% of all people living with HIV globally [1]. Tanzania has made significant progress in combating the HIV epidemic, achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030 [2]. A 2022–2023 study showed 82.7% of HIV-positive adults are aware, 97.9% are on ART (Anti-retroviral therapy), and 94.3% have viral load suppression [3]. A 2003-04 survey found a 7% HIV prevalence among Tanzanians aged 15–49, with women having a higher prevalence (8%) than men (6%) [4]. A 2022–2023 survey revealed a 0.18% HIV incidence among adults aged 15 and older, with 60,000 new cases per year, with women having a higher prevalence (5.6%) [5]. A critical component in the fight against HIV is early detection through testing. HIV testing is the first step toward care, prevention, treatment, and support services [6]. It is particularly crucial for women of reproductive age, given the possibility of mother-to-child transmission and the impact of HIV on maternal and child health outcomes [7]. A study of 644 participants in a rural Tanzanian community found that 63.1% of men and 85.5% of women had ever tested for HIV, with younger individuals having lower odds of testing [8]. HIV testing among Tanzanian women of reproductive age faces challenges due to individual, social, and structural factors, despite its clear benefits [9]. Personal factors may include low-risk perception, fear of stigma and discrimination, and lack of knowledge about HIV and testing services [10]. Social variables frequently include attitudes about HIV in the community, gender inequality, and cultural norms [8]. Structural barriers may consist of limited accessibility of testing services, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and economic constraints [11]. Tanzania has implemented various HIV testing strategies, including voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), provider-initiated testing and counselling (PITC), community-based testing, home-based testing, and self-testing [12]. These diverse testing strategies have expanded coverage, particularly in antenatal settings, and brought testing services closer to populations in hard-to-reach areas [13]. However, challenges remain in achieving universal HIV testing coverage, especially among certain population groups, including women of reproductive age [14]. Sociodemographic characteristics such as marital status, place of residence, religion, and ethnicity contributed to HIV voluntary counselling and testing completion of females in various ways [15]. Cultural norms and religious beliefs can significantly influence attitudes toward HIV testing, potentially acting as both facilitators and barriers to its uptake [16]. Religion in Tanzania has been proven to drive positive behaviour changes, such as HIV testing, stigma reduction, and serostatus disclosure, by instilling confidence in a higher God's supremacy and power [17]. The study found that 84.2% of participants would disclose their HIV status to their pastor or congregation if infected, despite religious beliefs suggesting HIV is a punishment from God [17]. Furthermore, stigma, and discrimination, both individual and community-level, remain significant barriers to HIV testing among women of reproductive age in Tanzania [18]. The attitudes and behaviours of sexual partners, including their testing history and willingness to test, can significantly influence women's testing behaviour [19]. The accessibility and cost of testing services, including distance to health facilities, can also significantly impact the testing behaviour of women of reproductive age in Tanzania [20]. Women with prior healthcare engagement, particularly in antenatal care, are more likely to be offered and accepted HIV testing in Tanzania [8]. Education level and exposure to HIV testing information have been another influential factor. The likelihood of HIV testing was higher among adults with primary, secondary, and higher education levels than those without any educational background, and 1.4 times higher among those with media exposure compared to those without media exposure [21]. Tanzania's healthcare system faces resource constraints, with 1 doctor per 32,258 people, below WHO recommendations. Rural areas are underserved, with 1 doctor per 100,000 people. Total health expenditure is 7.3, and the adult literacy rate is 73 [22]. Tanzania continues to strive towards achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Understanding factors influencing HIV testing behaviour among women of reproductive age is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies, as these factors influence individual decision-making in complex ways. This study, utilizing data from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, provides an in-depth examination of this aspect of Tanzania's HIV response, aiming to increase testing uptake and control the spread of HIV. Methods and materials Study Setting The study is set in Tanzania, East Africa, which includes the mainland and the Zanzibar Archipelago. Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda and Burundi to the northwest, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The geographic scope of the survey encompasses nine zones within Tanzania Mainland and five zones in Zanzibar, allowing for comprehensive estimates of child mortality and other health indicators [25]. Study Design and Study Population This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (2022 TDHS) [25]. The survey was implemented by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Office of the Chief Government Statistician Zanzibar (OCGS), with collaboration from the Ministries of Health (MoH) in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. The Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC) contributed to aspects related to biomarkers. Data collection occurred from February to July 2022 across all 31 regions of Tanzania, including both urban and rural areas. The survey employed a stratified two-stage sampling design to ensure national representativeness, including both urban and rural areas in Tanzania. The design allows for the estimation of various health and demographic indicators, including HIV testing-seeking behaviour. The study population comprises reproductive-age women aged 15–49 years residing in Tanzania. This population was selected from the 2022 TDHSMIS, which included all women in this age group who were either usual residents or visitors in the selected households the night before the survey interview. Questionnaires used and Data Collection The 2022 TDHS-MIS employed several types of questionnaires to gather comprehensive data. The Household Questionnaire collected basic household characteristics and demographic information. The Women’s Questionnaire, administered to women aged 15–49, included detailed questions on reproductive health, fertility preferences, family planning, maternal health, child mortality, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and awareness of HIV and other STIs. Description of Variables Dependent Variable The dependent variable for this analysis was whether the respondent had Ever been tested for HIV. This variable indicates whether the respondent has undergone HIV testing before or not which was coded as a binary outcome (1 = Yes, 0 = No). Independent Variables The independent variables included age, Highest educational level, Husband/partner's education level, Employment all year/seasonal, Type of earnings, Marital Status, Type of place of residence, Respondent can ask their partner to use a condom, had any STI in their last 12 months, Had genital sore/ulcer in last 12 months, Had genital discharge in last 12 months, Knowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV, Knowledge and use of HIV test kits. Data analysis and management Data analysis was performed using Stata version 16. The data were weighted to account for non-responsiveness and potential biases. The weighting variable was identified and divided by 1,000,000. Following this adjustment, population estimates for frequency with decimal places were rounded to the nearest whole number to reflect that individuals cannot be represented in fractions. Descriptive analysis was conducted to obtain frequency tables, presenting the distribution of individuals who had or had not tested for HIV across various independent variables in percentages. Bivariate analysis was then conducted using the logistic regression test to explore the association between the independent variables and the dependent variable (Ever been tested for HIV). The analysis produced adjusted odds ratios (AORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and corresponding p-values, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A significance level of p < 0.05 and a confidence interval that did not include 1, were used to determine statistical significance. Variables with p-values greater than 0.05 and a confidence interval that included 1, were considered non-significant and excluded from further analysis. Significant variables from the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis, which was conducted using logistic regression. The analysis produced adjusted odds ratios (AORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and corresponding p-values, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results The analysis (Table 1 ) contained 2531 women of reproductive age of which most participants had primary education (59.7%), while only 0.9% had higher education. The majority of partners of the respondents also had primary education (64.6%). About half work seasonally (49.2%), while 45.6% were employed year-round. Most respondents were either unpaid (40.0%) or paid in cash only (42.5%). A significant majority were married (73.2%), with others cohabiting with a partner (26.8%). Most participants live in rural areas (71.8%) while (59.6%) of the respondents can ask their partner to use a condom during sex. A large majority (94.6% reported no STI symptoms in the past 12 months and (95.8%) had no genital sores. A large percentage 91% had no genital discharge in the last 12 months while most participants have not heard of PrEP (90.4%) or HIV test kits (84.2%). The average age of participants is 29.8 years, ranging from 15 to 49 years. Table 1 Descriptive analysis of characteristics of women of reproductive age (15–49) years in Tanzania. Study variables Frequency (N = 2531) Percentage (100%) Highest educational level No education 496 19.5 Primary 1,519 59.7 Secondary 504 19.8 Higher 24 0.9 Husband/partner's education level No education, preschool/early childhood 302 11.9 Primary 1643 64.6 Secondary 522 20.5 Higher 75 3.0 Employment all year/seasonal All year 765 45.6 Seasonal 826 49.2 Occasional 88 5.3 Type of earnings Not paid 672 40.0 Cash only 714 42.5 Cash and in-kind 279 16.6 In-kind only 15 0.9 Marital Status Married 1,861 73.2 Living with partner 682 26.8 Type of place of residence Urban 718 28.2 Rural 1,824 71.8 Respondent can ask partner to use a condom No 966 38 Yes 1514 59.6 Don't know/not sure/depends 61 2.4 Had any STI in last 12 months No 2,405 94.59 Yes 130 5.1 Don't know 8 0.31 Had genital sore/ulcer in last 12 months No 2,436 95.8 Yes 100 4.0 Don't know 6 0.2 Had genital discharge in last 12 months No 2,321 91 Yes 210 8.3 Don't know 12 0.5 Knowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV Haven't heard 2,298 90.4 Heard and approved to take it every day 133 5.2 Heard, but don't approve of taking it eve 60 2.3 I Heard, but not sure about approving its 52 2.0 Knowledge and use of HIV test kits Never heard of HIV test kits 2,139 84.2 Has tested with HIV test kits 62 2.4 Knows test kits but never tested with t 341 13.4 Age (Mean ± SD) years 29.85 ± 7.54 Table 2 below that the study included 2531 women of age 15–49 of which 2354(93%) had ever tested for HIV while only 177(7%) of the women had never tested for HIV in Tanzania. Table 2 Prevalence of HIV testing among women of reproductive age in Tanzania HIV testing status Frequency(N) Percentage (%) Total number of women 2531 100 Ever tested for HIV 2354 93 Never tested for HIV 177 7 Bivariate Analysis of factors associated with HIV-testing seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. From Table 3 below, women with higher levels of education such as primary have increased odds of having been tested for HIV. Higher partner education correlates with increased testing odds. Seasonal or occasional employment slightly lowers the odds, while being unemployed significantly reduces the likelihood. Cohabiting with a partner slightly increases the odds of testing for HIV while living in rural areas lowers odds compared to urban residents. Being able to ask a partner to use a condom increases testing odds and a history of genital discharge significantly increases testing likelihood. Uncertain attitudes towards PrEP increase testing odds significantly while Awareness and use of HIV test kits strongly correlate with testing. Variables such as Age, Type of earnings, had any STI in the last 12 months were found not significant and removed from the model. Table 3 Binary logistic regression of factors associated with HIV testing among women in Tanzania Study variables COR P-value [95% Conf.Interval] Highest educational level No education 1 Primary 2.185 0.000 1.467 3.252 Secondary 3.136 0.000 1.707 5.759 Husband/partner's education level No education, preschool/early childhood 1 Primary 1.949 0.002 1.275 2.980 Secondary 3.618 0.002 1.617 8.098 Higher 4.261 0.061 0.936 19.403 Employment all year/seasonal All year 1 Seasonal 0.731 0.274 0.416 1.283 Occasional 0.379 0.115 0.113 1.267 Not employed 0.293 0.000 0.165 0.522 Marital Status Married 1 Living with partner 1.696 0.026 1.064 2.704 Type of place of residence Urban 1 Rural 0.319 0.000 0.170 0.599 Respondent can ask a partner to use a condom No 1 Yes 4.824 0.000 3.187 7.301 Don't know/not sure/depends 0.632 0.176 0.325 1.229 Had genital sore/ulcer in last 12 months No 1 Yes 1.765 0.353 0.531 5.868 Don't know 0.041 0.000 0.008 0.210 Had genital discharge in last 12 months No 1 Yes 3.635 0.014 1.293 10.220 Don't know 0.121 0.003 0.030 0.490 Knowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV Haven't heard 1 Heard and approved to take it every day 1.971 0.192 0.711 5.466 Heard, but don't approve of taking it every day 2.297 0.273 0.518 10.190 I Heard, but not sure about approving its use 40.649 0.000 5.486 301.212 Knowledge and use of HIV test kits Never heard of HIV test kits 1 Has tested with HIV test kits 52.770 0.000 6.801 409.457 Knows test kits but never tested with them 4.838 0.000 2.049 11.424 Factors associated with HIV-testing seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania In Table 4 below, Not employed indicates significantly lower odds of HIV testing [AOR:0.35, CI (0.20–0.61)] than All-year employed status. Rural residents have reduced odds of HIV testing [ AOR:0.43, CI (0.21–0.88)] compared to urban residents. Those able to ask their partner to use a condom are more likely to have been tested with increased odds [ AOR: 3.52, CI (2.31–5.37)]. Participants with a history of genital discharge have increased odds [ AOR:4.30, CI (1.28–14.46)] while those who don’t know their genital discharge history have reduced odds [ AOR: 0.20, CI (0.07–0.55)] of seeking for HIV testing services. Participants uncertain about PrEP approval have significantly higher odds of HIV testing [AOR: 36.07, CI (3.33-390.25)] while respondents who have tested before with HIV testing kits have the highest odds [ AOR:35.99, CI (4.00-324.13)] prior HIV testing. Finally, aware but untested women with kits also show increased odds [ AOR: 2.80, CI (1.19–6.58)]. The highest educational level, husband/partner's education level, marital status, and the genital sore/ulcer in the last 12 months were found not significant. Table 4 Multivariate Logistic regression of factors associated with HIV testing among women in Tanzania Study Variables AOR P-value [95% Conf.Interval] Employment all year/seasonal All year 1 Seasonal 0.852 0.570 0.489 1.483 Occasional 0.327 0.065 0.099 1.075 Not employed 0.345 0.000 0.197 0.607 Type of place of residence Urban 1 Rural 0.428 0.020 0.210 0.873 Respondent can ask partner to use a condom No 1 Yes 3.522 0.000 2.311 5.369 Don't know/not sure/depends 0.576 0.097 0.300 1.106 Had genital discharge in last 12 months No 1 Yes 4.300 0.019 1.278 14.461 Don't know 0.197 0.002 0.071 0.550 Knowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV Haven't heard 1 Heard and approved to take it every day 1.108 0.854 0.371 3.307 Heard, but don't approve of taking it every day 1.171 0.852 0.223 6.146 I Heard, but not sure about approving its use 36.068 0.003 3.333 390.246 Knowledge and use of HIV test kits Never heard of HIV test kits 1 Has tested with HIV test kits 35.991 0.001 3.996 324.126 Knows test kits but never tested with them 2.795 0.019 1.188 6.575 Discussion Given that HIV care and testing (HCT) is a priority technique and a crucial starting point for subsequent interventions, such as universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. A clear benefit of being aware of one's HIV status is that it enables one to adopt a better sexual lifestyle, which lowers the disease's incidence and, in turn, prevalence. Thus, measuring the prevalence and these determinants of HIV testing-seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania is a crucial step towards understanding the dynamics of HIV transmission and informing evidence-based interventions to shape and modify effective responses, as well as improving health outcomes among this vulnerable population. This study included 2531 women of reproductive ages ranging from 15–49 years, whose higher proportion of about 93% reported uptake of HIV testing while 7% had never been tested, this can be attributed to the significant roles Tanzania had played in curtailing the epidemic threshold of HIV/AIDS with focus on UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030[26], additionally, improved funding programs for HIV [27], testing services provided free of charge [28], development of community-based HIV testing facilities and the implementation of new approaches to promote HIV testing [29–31], global push on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV via the Maternal Child Health (MCH) services and antenatal check-up as reported by Lemin et al in Sarawak, Malaysia and Takarinda et al in Zimbabwe[32,33] have largely contributed to the overall increase in testing among female participants. This finding is consistent with previous studies done in other SSAs such as Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe [34,35]. HIV Testing-seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania exceed that in the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. [36,37], these differences in HIV testing prevalence among SSAs might be caused by differing national HIV prevention initiatives and regulations, differences in quality and accessibility of HIV testing facilities as well as poor targeted and untimely intervention [38–40]. There is a correlation between an increase in the overall level of HIV testing uptake among women in Tanzania and several socioeconomic and demographic factors such as employment status, and urban or rural residence from our study. Women with lower incomes and who are not employed have 65.5% lower odds of seeking HIV testing compared to those with occasional and seasonal occupations, this might be due to the potential financial hurdle to accessing healthcare services, including HIV testing in the country either through maternal healthcare services or routine check-ups as evidenced in Ethiopia and Rwanda [41–43]. Those with seasonal and occasional occupation had better financial resources to afford healthcare costs, they reside in an area with a better infrastructure of healthcare and higher odds of comprehensive knowledge of HIV as compared with those who are from poor families or have little source of income [44,45]. Because financial income, employment status, and educational attainment are positively correlated [46], women who earn more money and have completed primary and secondary/higher education are more likely to receive HIV counselling and testing, have more autonomy in making their own decisions, and are more likely to be aware of the significance of HIV testing and prevention [47–49]. This supports research from Tanzania and Nigeria showing that women with more agency and decision-making skills are more likely to get tested for HIV. Despite the availability of free HIV testing services, mass mobilization, awareness campaigns, and HIV testing uptake were low among rural communities in Tanzania. Rural dwellers of Tanzania origin especially women of reproductive age had lower odds of being tested for HIV compared to urban dwellers, which was supported by the study conducted in Ethiopia [36]. This may be justified by the poor availability and accessibility of HIV testing facilities, transportation challenges, and financial constraints in rural settings compared with urban [50–52]. It is also possible that the majority of these women, who had relocated to an urban region in search of a better life, had to take risks to survive, as evidenced by a study in South Africa, hence the possibility of high test-taking behaviour when compared to rural regions. In contrast, a previous study revealed individuals residing in rural areas showed a higher likelihood of undergoing HIV testing compared to those from urban settings owning to the effective implementation of diverse community-based strategies aimed at enhancing HIV testing and counselling uptake in regions with restricted healthcare access [53,54] In line with consistent findings from previous studies in Burkina Faso and South Africa [55,56], partner and relationship factors such as the use of condoms are related to HIV test-seeking behaviour in Tanzania. However, many women are afraid to discuss condoms with male partners, placing them at higher risk of HIV infection, from our study, women who can negotiate condom use with their partners are 3 times more likely to seek HIV testing than those who can’t inform their partners about condom use, while those who are not sure of informing their partners have 57.6% lower odds of HIV testing. This may be caused by several things, such as power dynamics and gender norms, as well as the fear of violence or rejection from a partner because recommending condom use to a partner may be interpreted as mistrust, an accusation of infidelity or promiscuity, and can result in negative reactions from the male partner. Traditional gender roles also limit women's control over their sexual and reproductive health decisions. [57,58]. This finding highlights the need for culturally appropriate interventions that promote more egalitarian relationships between partners by boosting women's confidence to ask for condom use during sexual intercourse and their ability to refuse sex when the partner may be suspected of having an STI or having multiple sexual partners, as was observed in Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria [59]. Women who have had genital discharge may be more aware of their HIV risk and seek testing nearly four times more frequently than those who have not had discharges, with an 80.3% lower likelihood of testing in the category of those who are unsure whether or not to take it. This notion could be attributed to greater awareness of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention initiatives by UNAIDS [60], and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Given that several illnesses, such as Bacterial vaginosis causing vaginal discharge, have been significantly linked to HIV and severe obstetric and gynaecological consequences, this could explain a rapid test-taking behaviour among women of reproductive age [61,62]. Furthermore, Interventions targeting increasing awareness of PrEP and knowledge of HIV test kits may improve HIV testing uptake. WHO recommends offering oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to people at substantial risk of HIV as part of comprehensive HIV prevention. Notably, there are some complex relationships between variables such as, heard of PrEP, interest in PrEP, and being tested for HIV, from our study, women who have heard of PrEP but are unsure about its use are more likely to seek HIV testing, there is no association with women who have heard and approved or heard and but don't approve of taking it every day. Despite an increasing number of countries adopting policies endorsing PrEP for HIV prevention, particularly among cisgender women in the last quarter of 2019 in Africa [39,40], a negative association exist between HIV testing and interest in PrEP as evidenced in a study done on young black women in the USA, which could be due to an inadequate understanding of the benefits of using PrEP as a method for HIV prevention [63] or gender disparity in pre-exposure prophylaxis use for HIV prevention [64]. However, interventions to facilitate the uptake of PrEP in this population are of utmost importance due to the high susceptibility to HIV acquisition during the peri-conceptional period, throughout pregnancy, and through 6 months postpartum with possible transmission to newborn, breastfeeding is also associated with an increased risk of perinatal HIV transmission [43]. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of specific antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to prevent HIV acquisition, especially in HIV-negative populations [44]. The knowledge and usage of HIV kits among women of reproductive age show a positive behaviour to seek HIV testing, compared to those who never heard of HIV test kits. This can be explained by factors such as older age, formal education, higher household wealth indexes, media exposure, knowledge about modern contraception, divorced/widowed marital status, having multiple sexual partners, institutional delivery, awareness of STIs, urban residence, and high ANC coverage [45]. This is contrary to the work done in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal, which stated women in West Africa had higher odds of having access to and exhibiting a higher level of acceptance of HIVST than women in East or Central African studies [46–48]. Increased utilization of the HIV self-testing (HIVST) technique, could also be to reduce stigma, and control over information about HIV status, which improves confidentiality management, and practical benefits, including empowerment and self-esteem compared to visiting facility-based testing and community-based outreach programmes [46,49,52]. These findings show that place of residence, employment status, use of condoms, genital discharge, women who are unsure about the usage of PrEP and women familiar with HIV test kits were associated with HIV test seek behaviour. However, it is important to note the specific reasons for the variations in HIV test-seeking behaviours in Tanzania as it will be crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies to combat the spread of HIV/AIDs as well, as necessitate in-depth research and analysis in the future. Recommendations The government and other concerned agencies should introduce mobile or community-based testing units and subsidize testing costs to reach economically disadvantaged or rural populations. Promote Open Communication on Sexual Health: Public health campaigns should encourage open discussions about sexual health within relationships, emphasizing condom negotiation and mutual health checks as preventive measures. Raise Awareness and Accessibility of HIV Prevention Tools: Expand education on PrEP and HIV self-test kits to improve familiarity and acceptance, which may empower individuals to proactively seek testing. Integrate Sexual Health Screening into Routine Healthcare: Health facilities should incorporate HIV testing when individuals present with symptoms like genital discharge to improve early detection and intervention. Abbreviations HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome TDHS Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey MoH Ministries of Health OCGS Office of the Chief Government Statistician Zanzibar NBS National Bureau of Statistics TDHS-MIS Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey-Malaria Indicator survey STI Sexually Transmitted Infections PrEP Pre-exposure Prophylaxis UNAIDS The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS HIVST HIV self-testing NIMR Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research Declarations Ethical approval and considerations Ethical approval was not required for this study. Data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) for 2022 were used in this study and after permission, the dataset was obtained via the DHS program website for the secondary data analysis. The DHS program makes sure that all surveys follow strict ethical guidelines to safeguard participants' rights and welfare. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the ICF International IRB examined and approved the survey protocol with approval IDs of NIMY/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX/3834 and ICF IRB FWA00002349 Exp. 07/12/2023 respectively. Before every participant was included in the survey, their informed consent was sought. Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials The Tanzania DHS 2022 secondary dataset used for this study can be accessed from the website upon requesthttps://dhsprogram.com/data/dataset_admin/index.cfm,specifically Competing interest Authors declare no competing interests Funding No funding for this study Authors contribution JMA Conceptualized the research idea; JMA and KFR analysed the data, II, JMA, MJPI and LNO wrote the methodology and presented and interpreted the results; II, HO and AM wrote the introduction, EAI and ELA wrote the discussion; II JMA, BOA, AAB, AEI and WYK reviewed the manuscript; and II compiled the final draft of the manuscript. All the authors reviewed and approved the final draft of the manuscript Acknowledgement The authors acknowledge and thank the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ministry of Health (MOH)-Tanzania mainland, the Ministry of Health (MoH)-Zanzibar and the office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) for implementing the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (2022 TDHS). The authors extend great thanks to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the ICF International IRB who examined and approved the survey protocol before the commencement of data collection. The authors also the United States Agency for International Development for Funding the 7 th TDHS of 2022 and the DHS program for granting us access to the data. References UNAIDS, “Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet,” UNAIDS. Accessed: Sep. 02, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet UNAIDS, “AIDS can be ended by 2030 - New UN report,” Africa Renewal. Accessed: Sep. 02, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/july-2023/aids-can-be-ended-2030-new-un-report#:~:text=Botswana%2C%20Eswatini%2C%20Rwanda%2C%20Tanzania%2C%20and%20Zimbabwe%20have,know%20that%20they%20are%20living%20with%20HIV PHIA News, “Release of Tanzania Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Data Shows Notable Progress, and Identifies Gaps that Stand in the Way of Epidemic Control,” PHIA Project. Accessed: Sep. 02, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://phia.icap.columbia.edu/release-of-tanzania-population-based-hiv-impact-assessment-data-shows-notable-progress-and-identifies-gaps-that-stand-in-the-way-of-epidemic-control/ DHS PROGRAM TANZANIA, “HIV PREVALENCE,” 2004. Accessed: Sep. 02, 2024. [Online]. 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Available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/16/239 Pebody R. Economic & social inequality. 2020. Large HIV testing gap between rich and poor living in African countries. Faust L, Yaya S, Ekholuenetale M. Wealth inequality as a predictor of HIV-related knowledge in Nigeria. BMJ Glob Heal. 2017;2(4):e000461. Sabo KG, Seifu BL, Kase BF, Asebe HA, Asmare ZA, Asgedom YS, et al. Factors influencing HIV testing uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa: a comprehensive multi-level analysis using demographic and health survey data (2015–2022). BMC Infect Dis [Internet]. 2024 Aug 13;24(1):821. Available from: https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09695-1 Bashemera DR, Nhembo MJ, Benedict G. The role of women’s empowerment in influencing HIV testing [Internet]. DHS Working Papers No. 101 . Calverton, Maryland, USA : ICF International ; 2013. Available from: http://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/WP101/WP101.pdf Iddrisu AK, Opoku-Ameyaw K, Bukari FK, Mahama B, Akooti JJA. 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Birth [Internet]. 2021 Mar 18;48(1):139–46. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/birt.12526 WHO. Bacterial vaginosis Key facts. 2023;(August). Organization WH. Consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection: recommendations for a public health approach [Internet]. 2nd ed. Geneva PP - Geneva: World Health Organization; Available from: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/208825 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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reported.","formattedTitle":"Prevalence and determinants of HIV Testing-Seeking Behaviors Among women of Reproductive age in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2022 Demographic and health survey","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eSub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of the global HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) burden, accounting for approximately 67% of all people living with HIV globally [1]. Tanzania has made significant progress in combating the HIV epidemic, achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030 [2]. A 2022\u0026ndash;2023 study showed 82.7% of HIV-positive adults are aware, 97.9% are on ART (Anti-retroviral therapy), and 94.3% have viral load suppression [3]. A 2003-04 survey found a 7% HIV prevalence among Tanzanians aged 15\u0026ndash;49, with women having a higher prevalence (8%) than men (6%) [4]. A 2022\u0026ndash;2023 survey revealed a 0.18% HIV incidence among adults aged 15 and older, with 60,000 new cases per year, with women having a higher prevalence (5.6%) [5].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA critical component in the fight against HIV is early detection through testing. HIV testing is the first step toward care, prevention, treatment, and support services [6]. It is particularly crucial for women of reproductive age, given the possibility of mother-to-child transmission and the impact of HIV on maternal and child health outcomes [7]. A study of 644 participants in a rural Tanzanian community found that 63.1% of men and 85.5% of women had ever tested for HIV, with younger individuals having lower odds of testing [8]. HIV testing among Tanzanian women of reproductive age faces challenges due to individual, social, and structural factors, despite its clear benefits [9]. Personal factors may include low-risk perception, fear of stigma and discrimination, and lack of knowledge about HIV and testing services [10]. Social variables frequently include attitudes about HIV in the community, gender inequality, and cultural norms [8]. Structural barriers may consist of limited accessibility of testing services, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and economic constraints [11].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTanzania has implemented various HIV testing strategies, including voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), provider-initiated testing and counselling (PITC), community-based testing, home-based testing, and self-testing [12]. These diverse testing strategies have expanded coverage, particularly in antenatal settings, and brought testing services closer to populations in hard-to-reach areas [13]. However, challenges remain in achieving universal HIV testing coverage, especially among certain population groups, including women of reproductive age [14]. Sociodemographic characteristics such as marital status, place of residence, religion, and ethnicity contributed to HIV voluntary counselling and testing completion of females in various ways [15]. Cultural norms and religious beliefs can significantly influence attitudes toward HIV testing, potentially acting as both facilitators and barriers to its uptake [16]. Religion in Tanzania has been proven to drive positive behaviour changes, such as HIV testing, stigma reduction, and serostatus disclosure, by instilling confidence in a higher God's supremacy and power [17]. The study found that 84.2% of participants would disclose their HIV status to their pastor or congregation if infected, despite religious beliefs suggesting HIV is a punishment from God [17].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, stigma, and discrimination, both individual and community-level, remain significant barriers to HIV testing among women of reproductive age in Tanzania [18]. The attitudes and behaviours of sexual partners, including their testing history and willingness to test, can significantly influence women's testing behaviour [19]. The accessibility and cost of testing services, including distance to health facilities, can also significantly impact the testing behaviour of women of reproductive age in Tanzania [20]. Women with prior healthcare engagement, particularly in antenatal care, are more likely to be offered and accepted HIV testing in Tanzania [8]. Education level and exposure to HIV testing information have been another influential factor. The likelihood of HIV testing was higher among adults with primary, secondary, and higher education levels than those without any educational background, and 1.4 times higher among those with media exposure compared to those without media exposure [21].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTanzania's healthcare system faces resource constraints, with 1 doctor per 32,258 people, below WHO recommendations. Rural areas are underserved, with 1 doctor per 100,000 people. Total health expenditure is 7.3, and the adult literacy rate is 73 [22]. Tanzania continues to strive towards achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Understanding factors influencing HIV testing behaviour among women of reproductive age is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies, as these factors influence individual decision-making in complex ways. This study, utilizing data from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, provides an in-depth examination of this aspect of Tanzania's HIV response, aiming to increase testing uptake and control the spread of HIV.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods and materials","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy Setting\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study is set in Tanzania, East Africa, which includes the mainland and the Zanzibar Archipelago. Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda and Burundi to the northwest, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The geographic scope of the survey encompasses nine zones within Tanzania Mainland and five zones in Zanzibar, allowing for comprehensive estimates of child mortality and other health indicators [25].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy Design and Study Population\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was a cross-sectional study that used data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (2022 TDHS) [25]. The survey was implemented by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Office of the Chief Government Statistician Zanzibar (OCGS), with collaboration from the Ministries of Health (MoH) in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. The Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC) contributed to aspects related to biomarkers. Data collection occurred from February to July 2022 across all 31 regions of Tanzania, including both urban and rural areas. The survey employed a stratified two-stage sampling design to ensure national representativeness, including both urban and rural areas in Tanzania. The design allows for the estimation of various health and demographic indicators, including HIV testing-seeking behaviour. The study population comprises reproductive-age women aged 15\u0026ndash;49 years residing in Tanzania. This population was selected from the 2022 TDHSMIS, which included all women in this age group who were either usual residents or visitors in the selected households the night before the survey interview.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestionnaires used and Data Collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 TDHS-MIS employed several types of questionnaires to gather comprehensive data. The Household Questionnaire collected basic household characteristics and demographic information. The Women\u0026rsquo;s Questionnaire, administered to women aged 15\u0026ndash;49, included detailed questions on reproductive health, fertility preferences, family planning, maternal health, child mortality, domestic violence, women\u0026rsquo;s empowerment, and awareness of HIV and other STIs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription of Variables\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eDependent Variable\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe dependent variable for this analysis was whether the respondent had Ever been tested for HIV. This variable indicates whether the respondent has undergone HIV testing before or not which was coded as a binary outcome (1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Yes, 0\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;No).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eIndependent Variables\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe independent variables included age, Highest educational level, Husband/partner's education level, Employment all year/seasonal, Type of earnings, Marital Status, Type of place of residence, Respondent can ask their partner to use a condom, had any STI in their last 12 months, Had genital sore/ulcer in last 12 months, Had genital discharge in last 12 months, Knowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV, Knowledge and use of HIV test kits.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData analysis and management\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData analysis was performed using Stata version 16. The data were weighted to account for non-responsiveness and potential biases. The weighting variable was identified and divided by 1,000,000. Following this adjustment, population estimates for frequency with decimal places were rounded to the nearest whole number to reflect that individuals cannot be represented in fractions. Descriptive analysis was conducted to obtain frequency tables, presenting the distribution of individuals who had or had not tested for HIV across various independent variables in percentages.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBivariate analysis was then conducted using the logistic regression test to explore the association between the independent variables and the dependent variable (Ever been tested for HIV). The analysis produced adjusted odds ratios (AORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and corresponding p-values, with statistical significance set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05. A significance level of p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 and a confidence interval that did not include 1, were used to determine statistical significance. Variables with p-values greater than 0.05 and a confidence interval that included 1, were considered non-significant and excluded from further analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificant variables from the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis, which was conducted using logistic regression. The analysis produced adjusted odds ratios (AORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and corresponding p-values, with statistical significance set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe analysis (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) contained 2531 women of reproductive age of which most participants had primary education (59.7%), while only 0.9% had higher education. The majority of partners of the respondents also had primary education (64.6%). About half work seasonally (49.2%), while 45.6% were employed year-round. Most respondents were either unpaid (40.0%) or paid in cash only (42.5%). A significant majority were married (73.2%), with others cohabiting with a partner (26.8%). Most participants live in rural areas (71.8%) while (59.6%) of the respondents can ask their partner to use a condom during sex. A large majority (94.6% reported no STI symptoms in the past 12 months and (95.8%) had no genital sores. A large percentage 91% had no genital discharge in the last 12 months while most participants have not heard of PrEP (90.4%) or HIV test kits (84.2%). The average age of participants is 29.8 years, ranging from 15 to 49 years.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescriptive analysis of characteristics of women of reproductive age (15\u0026ndash;49) years in Tanzania.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudy variables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2531)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (100%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHighest educational level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e496\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1,519\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e504\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigher\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHusband/partner's education level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo education, preschool/early childhood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e302\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1643\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e522\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigher\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmployment all year/seasonal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll year\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e765\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeasonal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e826\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOccasional\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of earnings\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot paid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e672\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCash only\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e714\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCash and in-kind\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e279\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn-kind only\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1,861\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving with partner\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e682\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of place of residence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e718\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1,824\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRespondent can ask partner to use a condom\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e966\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1514\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know/not sure/depends\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHad any STI in last 12 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2,405\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHad genital sore/ulcer in last 12 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2,436\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHad genital discharge in last 12 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2,321\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHaven't heard\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2,298\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeard and approved to take it every day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e133\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeard, but don't approve of taking it eve\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eI\u0026nbsp;Heard, but not sure about approving its\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge and use of HIV test kits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever heard of HIV test kits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2,139\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHas tested with HIV test kits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnows test kits but never tested with t\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e341\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e (Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD) years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e below that the study included 2531 women of age 15\u0026ndash;49 of which 2354(93%) had ever tested for HIV while only 177(7%) of the women had never tested for HIV in Tanzania.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrevalence of HIV testing among women of reproductive age in Tanzania\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHIV testing status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency(N)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal number of women\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2531\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEver tested for HIV\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2354\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever tested for HIV\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e177\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eBivariate Analysis of factors associated with HIV-testing seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e below, women with higher levels of education such as primary have increased odds of having been tested for HIV. Higher partner education correlates with increased testing odds. Seasonal or occasional employment slightly lowers the odds, while being unemployed significantly reduces the likelihood. Cohabiting with a partner slightly increases the odds of testing for HIV while living in rural areas lowers odds compared to urban residents. Being able to ask a partner to use a condom increases testing odds and a history of genital discharge significantly increases testing likelihood. Uncertain attitudes towards PrEP increase testing odds significantly while Awareness and use of HIV test kits strongly correlate with testing. Variables such as Age, Type of earnings, had any STI in the last 12 months were found not significant and removed from the model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBinary logistic regression of factors associated with HIV testing among women in Tanzania\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudy variables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCOR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[95% Conf.Interval]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHighest educational level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.185\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.467\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.252\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.136\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.707\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.759\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHusband/partner's education level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo education, preschool/early childhood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.949\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.002\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.275\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.980\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.618\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.002\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.617\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.098\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigher\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.261\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.061\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.936\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.403\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEmployment all year/seasonal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll year\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeasonal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.731\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.274\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.416\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.283\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOccasional\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.379\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.115\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.113\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.267\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot employed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.293\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.522\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving with partner\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.696\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.026\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.064\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.704\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of place of residence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.319\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.170\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.599\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRespondent can ask a\u0026nbsp;partner to use a condom\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.824\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.187\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.301\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know/not sure/depends\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.632\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.176\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.325\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.229\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHad genital sore/ulcer in last 12 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.765\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.353\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.531\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.868\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.041\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.210\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHad genital discharge in last 12 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.635\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.014\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.293\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.220\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.003\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.030\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.490\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHaven't heard\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeard and approved to take it every day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.971\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.192\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.711\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.466\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeard, but don't approve of taking it every day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.297\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.273\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.518\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.190\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eI\u0026nbsp;Heard, but not sure about approving its use\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.649\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.486\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e301.212\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge and use of HIV test kits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever heard of HIV test kits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHas tested with HIV test kits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.770\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.801\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e409.457\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnows test kits but never tested with them\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.838\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.049\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.424\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFactors associated with HIV-testing seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e below, Not employed indicates significantly lower odds of HIV testing [AOR:0.35, CI (0.20\u0026ndash;0.61)] than All-year employed status. Rural residents have reduced odds of HIV testing [ AOR:0.43, CI (0.21\u0026ndash;0.88)] compared to urban residents. Those able to ask their partner to use a condom are more likely to have been tested with increased odds [ AOR: 3.52, CI (2.31\u0026ndash;5.37)]. Participants with a history of genital discharge have increased odds [ AOR:4.30, CI (1.28\u0026ndash;14.46)] while those who don\u0026rsquo;t know their genital discharge history have reduced odds [ AOR: 0.20, CI (0.07\u0026ndash;0.55)] of seeking for HIV testing services. Participants uncertain about PrEP approval have significantly higher odds of HIV testing [AOR: 36.07, CI (3.33-390.25)] while respondents who have tested before with HIV testing kits have the highest odds [ AOR:35.99, CI (4.00-324.13)] prior HIV testing. Finally, aware but untested women with kits also show increased odds [ AOR: 2.80, CI (1.19\u0026ndash;6.58)]. The highest educational level, husband/partner's education level, marital status, and the genital sore/ulcer in the last 12 months were found not significant.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultivariate Logistic regression of factors associated with HIV testing among women in Tanzania\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudy Variables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAOR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[95% Conf.Interval]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmployment all year/seasonal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll year\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeasonal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.852\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.570\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.489\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.483\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOccasional\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.327\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.065\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.099\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot employed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.345\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.197\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.607\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType of place of residence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.428\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.020\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.210\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.873\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRespondent can ask partner to use a condom\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.522\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.311\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.369\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know/not sure/depends\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.576\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.097\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.300\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHad genital discharge in last 12 months\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.300\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.019\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.278\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.461\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon't know\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.197\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.002\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.071\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.550\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge and attitude to PrEP to prevent getting HIV\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHaven't heard\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeard and approved to take it every day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.854\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.371\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.307\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeard, but don't approve of taking it every day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.171\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.852\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.223\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.146\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eI\u0026nbsp;Heard, but not sure about approving its use\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.068\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.003\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e390.246\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowledge and use of HIV test kits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever heard of HIV test kits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHas tested with HIV test kits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.991\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.996\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e324.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnows test kits but never tested with them\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.795\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.019\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.188\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.575\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eGiven that HIV care and testing (HCT) is a priority technique and a crucial starting point for subsequent interventions, such as universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. A clear benefit of being aware of one's HIV status is that it enables one to adopt a better sexual lifestyle, which lowers the disease's incidence and, in turn, prevalence. Thus, measuring the prevalence and these determinants of HIV testing-seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania is a crucial step towards understanding the dynamics of HIV transmission and informing evidence-based interventions to shape and modify effective responses, as well as improving health outcomes among this vulnerable population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study included 2531 women of reproductive ages ranging from 15\u0026ndash;49 years, whose higher proportion of about 93% reported uptake of HIV testing while 7% had never been tested, this can be attributed to the significant roles Tanzania had played in curtailing the epidemic threshold of HIV/AIDS with focus on UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030[26], additionally, improved funding programs for HIV [27], testing services provided free of charge [28], development of community-based HIV testing facilities and the implementation of new approaches to promote HIV testing [29\u0026ndash;31], global push on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV via the Maternal Child Health (MCH) services and antenatal check-up as reported by Lemin et al in Sarawak, Malaysia and Takarinda et al in Zimbabwe[32,33] have largely contributed to the overall increase in testing among female participants. This finding is consistent with previous studies done in other SSAs such as Cameroon, C\u0026ocirc;te d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe [34,35]. HIV Testing-seeking behaviours among women of reproductive age in Tanzania exceed that in the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. [36,37], these differences in HIV testing prevalence among SSAs might be caused by differing national HIV prevention initiatives and regulations, differences in quality and accessibility of HIV testing facilities as well as poor targeted and untimely intervention [38\u0026ndash;40].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a correlation between an increase in the overall level of HIV testing uptake among women in Tanzania and several socioeconomic and demographic factors such as employment status, and urban or rural residence from our study. Women with lower incomes and who are not employed have 65.5% lower odds of seeking HIV testing compared to those with occasional and seasonal occupations, this might be due to the potential financial hurdle to accessing healthcare services, including HIV testing in the country either through maternal healthcare services or routine check-ups as evidenced in Ethiopia and Rwanda [41\u0026ndash;43]. Those with seasonal and occasional occupation had better financial resources to afford healthcare costs, they reside in an area with a better infrastructure of healthcare and higher odds of comprehensive knowledge of HIV as compared with those who are from poor families or have little source of income [44,45]. Because financial income, employment status, and educational attainment are positively correlated [46], women who earn more money and have completed primary and secondary/higher education are more likely to receive HIV counselling and testing, have more autonomy in making their own decisions, and are more likely to be aware of the significance of HIV testing and prevention [47\u0026ndash;49]. This supports research from Tanzania and Nigeria showing that women with more agency and decision-making skills are more likely to get tested for HIV.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the availability of free HIV testing services, mass mobilization, awareness campaigns, and HIV testing uptake were low among rural communities in Tanzania. Rural dwellers of Tanzania origin especially women of reproductive age had lower odds of being tested for HIV compared to urban dwellers, which was supported by the study conducted in Ethiopia [36]. This may be justified by the poor availability and accessibility of HIV testing facilities, transportation challenges, and financial constraints in rural settings compared with urban [50\u0026ndash;52]. It is also possible that the majority of these women, who had relocated to an urban region in search of a better life, had to take risks to survive, as evidenced by a study in South Africa, hence the possibility of high test-taking behaviour when compared to rural regions. In contrast, a previous study revealed individuals residing in rural areas showed a higher likelihood of undergoing HIV testing compared to those from urban settings owning to the effective implementation of diverse community-based strategies aimed at enhancing HIV testing and counselling uptake in regions with restricted healthcare access [53,54]\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn line with consistent findings from previous studies in Burkina Faso and South Africa [55,56], partner and relationship factors such as the use of condoms are related to HIV test-seeking behaviour in Tanzania. However, many women are afraid to discuss condoms with male partners, placing them at higher risk of HIV infection, from our study, women who can negotiate condom use with their partners are 3 times more likely to seek HIV testing than those who can\u0026rsquo;t inform their partners about condom use, while those who are not sure of informing their partners have 57.6% lower odds of HIV testing. This may be caused by several things, such as power dynamics and gender norms, as well as the fear of violence or rejection from a partner because recommending condom use to a partner may be interpreted as mistrust, an accusation of infidelity or promiscuity, and can result in negative reactions from the male partner. Traditional gender roles also limit women's control over their sexual and reproductive health decisions. [57,58]. This finding highlights the need for culturally appropriate interventions that promote more egalitarian relationships between partners by boosting women's confidence to ask for condom use during sexual intercourse and their ability to refuse sex when the partner may be suspected of having an STI or having multiple sexual partners, as was observed in Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria [59].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWomen who have had genital discharge may be more aware of their HIV risk and seek testing nearly four times more frequently than those who have not had discharges, with an 80.3% lower likelihood of testing in the category of those who are unsure whether or not to take it. This notion could be attributed to greater awareness of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention initiatives by UNAIDS [60], and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Given that several illnesses, such as \u003cem\u003eBacterial vaginosis\u003c/em\u003e causing vaginal discharge, have been significantly linked to HIV and severe obstetric and gynaecological consequences, this could explain a rapid test-taking behaviour among women of reproductive age [61,62].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, Interventions targeting increasing awareness of PrEP and knowledge of HIV test kits may improve HIV testing uptake. WHO recommends offering oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to people at substantial risk of HIV as part of comprehensive HIV prevention. Notably, there are some complex relationships between variables such as, heard of PrEP, interest in PrEP, and being tested for HIV, from our study, women who have heard of PrEP but are unsure about its use are more likely to seek HIV testing, there is no association with women who have heard and approved or heard and but don't approve of taking it every day. Despite an increasing number of countries adopting policies endorsing PrEP for HIV prevention, particularly among cisgender women in the last quarter of 2019 in Africa [39,40], a negative association exist between HIV testing and interest in PrEP as evidenced in a study done on young black women in the USA, which could be due to an inadequate understanding of the benefits of using PrEP as a method for HIV prevention [63] or gender disparity in pre-exposure prophylaxis use for HIV prevention [64]. However, interventions to facilitate the uptake of PrEP in this population are of utmost importance due to the high susceptibility to HIV acquisition during the peri-conceptional period, throughout pregnancy, and through 6 months postpartum with possible transmission to newborn, breastfeeding is also associated with an increased risk of perinatal HIV transmission [43]. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of specific antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to prevent HIV acquisition, especially in HIV-negative populations [44].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe knowledge and usage of HIV kits among women of reproductive age show a positive behaviour to seek HIV testing, compared to those who never heard of HIV test kits. This can be explained by factors such as older age, formal education, higher household wealth indexes, media exposure, knowledge about modern contraception, divorced/widowed marital status, having multiple sexual partners, institutional delivery, awareness of STIs, urban residence, and high ANC coverage [45]. This is contrary to the work done in Benin, C\u0026ocirc;te d\u0026rsquo;Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal, which stated women in West Africa had higher odds of having access to and exhibiting a higher level of acceptance of HIVST than women in East or Central African studies [46\u0026ndash;48]. Increased utilization of the HIV self-testing (HIVST) technique, could also be to reduce stigma, and control over information about HIV status, which improves confidentiality management, and practical benefits, including empowerment and self-esteem compared to visiting facility-based testing and community-based outreach programmes [46,49,52].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings show that place of residence, employment status, use of condoms, genital discharge, women who are unsure about the usage of PrEP and women familiar with HIV test kits were associated with HIV test seek behaviour. However, it is important to note the specific reasons for the variations in HIV test-seeking behaviours in Tanzania as it will be crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies to combat the spread of HIV/AIDs as well, as necessitate in-depth research and analysis in the future.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRecommendations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe government and other concerned agencies should introduce mobile or community-based testing units and subsidize testing costs to reach economically disadvantaged or rural populations. Promote Open Communication on Sexual Health: Public health campaigns should encourage open discussions about sexual health within relationships, emphasizing condom negotiation and mutual health checks as preventive measures. Raise Awareness and Accessibility of HIV Prevention Tools: Expand education on PrEP and HIV self-test kits to improve familiarity and acceptance, which may empower individuals to proactively seek testing. Integrate Sexual Health Screening into Routine Healthcare: Health facilities should incorporate HIV testing when individuals present with symptoms like genital discharge to improve early detection and intervention.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003eHIV \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Human Immunodeficiency Virus\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAIDS \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTDHS \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoH \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Ministries of Health\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOCGS \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Office of the Chief Government Statistician Zanzibar\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNBS \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;National Bureau of Statistics\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTDHS-MIS \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey-Malaria Indicator survey\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTI \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Sexually Transmitted Infections\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrEP \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Pre-exposure Prophylaxis\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUNAIDS \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHIVST \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; HIV self-testing\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNIMR \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval and considerations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical approval was not required for this study. Data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) for 2022 were used in this study and after permission, the dataset was obtained via the DHS program website for the secondary data analysis. The DHS program makes sure that all surveys follow strict ethical guidelines to safeguard participants\u0026apos; rights and welfare. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the ICF International IRB examined and approved the survey protocol with approval IDs of \u003cstrong\u003eNIMY/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX/3834\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eICF IRB FWA00002349 Exp. 07/12/2023\u003c/strong\u003e respectively. Before every participant was included in the survey, their informed consent was sought.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tanzania DHS 2022 secondary dataset used for this study can be accessed from the website upon requesthttps://dhsprogram.com/data/dataset_admin/index.cfm,specifically\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthors declare no competing interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo funding for this study\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors contribution\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJMA Conceptualized the research idea; JMA and KFR analysed the data, II, JMA, MJPI and LNO wrote the methodology and presented and interpreted the results; II, HO and AM wrote the introduction, EAI and ELA wrote the discussion; II JMA, BOA, AAB, AEI and WYK reviewed the manuscript; and II compiled the final draft of the manuscript. All the authors reviewed and approved the final draft of the manuscript\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgement\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors acknowledge and thank the\u0026nbsp;National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ministry of Health (MOH)-Tanzania mainland, the Ministry of Health (MoH)-Zanzibar and the office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) for implementing the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (2022 TDHS). The authors extend great thanks to the\u0026nbsp;Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the ICF International IRB who examined and approved the survey protocol before the commencement of data collection.\u0026nbsp;The authors also the United States Agency for International Development for Funding the 7\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e TDHS of 2022 and the DHS program for granting us access to the data.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUNAIDS, \u0026ldquo;Global HIV \u0026amp; AIDS statistics \u0026mdash; Fact sheet,\u0026rdquo; UNAIDS. Accessed: Sep. 02, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUNAIDS, \u0026ldquo;AIDS can be ended by 2030 - New UN report,\u0026rdquo; Africa Renewal. Accessed: Sep. 02, 2024. [Online]. 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Geneva PP - Geneva: World Health Organization; Available from: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/208825\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"aids-research-and-therapy","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"arty","sideBox":"Learn more about [AIDS Research and Therapy](http://aidsrestherapy.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"12981","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12981/3","title":"AIDS Research and Therapy","twitterHandle":"@BioMedCentral","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"HIV, HIV self-testing, health-seeking behaviours, HIV prevalence, Youth, reproductive health, Tanzania, 2022TDHS","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5082224/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5082224/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAim: \u003c/strong\u003eHIV remains one of the major epidemics and public health concerns within low and middle-income countries such as Tanzania. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with HIV testing-seeking behaviours among women of childbearing age in Tanzania.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods: \u003c/strong\u003eThis was a cross-sectional national survey that was conducted in 2022 in Tanzania by the ministries of health of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The 2022 TDHS-MIS employed Household, Women’s Questionnaire, Men’s Questionnaire, the Child Health Questionnaire and the Micronutrient Questionnaire. All the data analysis and cleaning were done using STATA version 17 at a significance level of p \u0026lt; 0.05 and 95% CI.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults:\u003c/strong\u003eThis study included 2531 women with 2354 having ever tested for HIV while 177 had never tested for HIV. Not employed [AOR:0.35, CI (0.20-0.61)] has lower odds of HIV testing than All-year employed status. Rural residents have reduced odds of HIV testing [ AOR:0.43, CI (0.21-0.88)] compared to women living in urban areas. Those able to ask their partner to use a condom are more likely to have been tested with increased odds [ AOR: 3.52, CI (2.31-5.37)]. Participants with a history of genital discharge [ AOR:4.30, CI (1.28-14.46)] and those who don’t know their genital discharge history have [ AOR: 0.20, CI (0.07-0.55)] are significant for HIV testing. Women who have heard about PrEP but are not uncertain about its approval [AOR: 36.07, CI (3.33-390.25)], respondents who have tested before with HIV testing kits [ AOR:35.99, CI (4.00-324.13)] and women who are aware of HIV testing kids but never tested with them before [ AOR: 2.80, CI (1.19-6.58)] are predictors of HIV testing seeking behaviours.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion: \u003c/strong\u003eUnemployed individuals, Participants able to discuss condom use with their partners, women with recent genital symptoms, such as discharge, living in rural areas, and being aware of and use of HIV test kits are associated with HIV testing among women. This suggests barriers tied to economic and geographic factors calling for interventions such as open communication among couples, improved health care delivery in rural areas hence improving testing access, increasing awareness of prevention methods, and fostering communication within relationships can effectively enhance HIV testing rates in the communities.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Prevalence and determinants of HIV Testing-Seeking Behaviors Among women of Reproductive age in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2022 Demographic and health survey","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-11-26 20:35:32","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5082224/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2024-12-17T13:44:29+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2024-12-17T06:28:49+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"18122558940251988021256834725769731836","date":"2024-12-03T05:09:40+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2024-12-02T14:33:09+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"259623171212403673926288769741854454314","date":"2024-12-02T14:10:56+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2024-11-24T14:30:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-11-23T23:41:53+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2024-11-23T09:21:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"AIDS Research and Therapy","date":"2024-11-23T05:02:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"aids-research-and-therapy","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"arty","sideBox":"Learn more about [AIDS Research and Therapy](http://aidsrestherapy.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"12981","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12981/3","title":"AIDS Research and Therapy","twitterHandle":"@BioMedCentral","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"5899e086-e760-4712-ae40-47d678f02ae1","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 26th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-02-10T16:01:34+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-5082224","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-025-00710-2","journal":{"identity":"aids-research-and-therapy","isVorOnly":false,"title":"AIDS Research and Therapy"},"publishedOn":"2025-02-06 15:57:27","publishedOnDateReadable":"February 6th, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2024-11-26 20:35:32","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12981-025-00710-2","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-025-00710-2","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5082224","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5082224","identity":"rs-5082224","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"omnImTCwR2MFx8CMYfrG7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}