Uptake of HIV Self-Testing and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers at Non-Governmental HIV Testing Facilities in Debre Markos and Bahir Dar Towns, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus self-testing (HIVST) is universally accepted as an HIV testing option to achieve the United Nations Agency for International Development first 95 goal by 2030. HIV testing coverage through voluntary counseling and testing and provider initiated testing and counseling is low among female sex workers (FSWs). However, there is no evidence on the level of HIVST among FSWs in the study area.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the uptake of HIVST and associated factors among FSWs at non-governmental facilities in Debre Markos and Bahir Dar towns, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.

METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 423 study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire; entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to assess the strength of association between independent variables and dependent variable. Bivariable logistic regression was done for each variable and those with a P-value of < 0.25% were selected for multivariable analysis. Finally, P-value < 0.05% was declared statistically significant.

RESULTS: The magnitude of HIVST uptake among FSWs was 59.3%. Time since engagement of sex work > 5 years [AOR 2.16 (95% CI: 1.158-4.013)], age of first sexual debut >19 years [AOR 3.23 (95% CI: 2.045-5.093)], previous urban residence [AOR 3.99 (95% CI: 2.58-6.18)], good knowledge towards HIVST [AOR 1.78 (95% CI: 1.066-2.964)], education status being college and above [AOR 5.6 (95% CI: 3.12-9.30)] were significantly associated factors.

CONCLUSION: HIVST uptake among FSWs was 59.3% which is lower than expected at national level. Educational status, age at first sexual debut, knowledge towards HIVST, and time since engagement in sex work were significantly associated with HIVST uptake.