Socio demographic factors associated with the use of HIV test kits among people in Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing the socio demographic factors associated with the knowledge and use of HIV kits among the people in Uganda. The study was guided by specific objectives which included; to determine the level of awareness and knowledge regarding HIV test kits among different socio demographic characteristics of the population, to examine the influence of social and cultural factors on the use of HIV test kits and to identify any challenges faced by specific socio-demographic groups in accessing and using HIV test kits. It used data that was obtained from Uganda Demographic and household survey (UDHS) carried in 2016 which was implemented by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. A total of 2,468 respondents from Uganda were included in this study. Data was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. The study found out that level of education was associated with knowledge and use of HIV test kits among the people in Uganda. Respondents that were highly educated were more likely to have more knowledge on HIV test kits and decide to either use them or not. The study also showed that area of residence had a relationship with the respondents that knew about the test kits but did not use them. People in the rural areas knew about the test kits but did not to use them. The wealth status was also statistically associated with the knowledge and use of HIV test kits where most of the respondents that knew about the test kits and tested were from the highest wealth status. There was a significant relationship between marital status and the knowledge and use of test kits where most of the respondents that used the test kits were not married but just stay with their partners. Age, religion and occupation were not significantly related to the knowledge and use of HIV test kits. Basing on the above findings, the study recommended as follows, increase access to education, health services, increase awareness of and additional research is needed to better understand the socio demographic factors associated with the knowledge and use of HIV kits among the people in Uganda. This can help to inform the development of more targeted and effective interventions to inform people about the importance of HIV test kits.