Routine HIV Testing in Botswana: A Study on Attitudes and Practices
Author Information
Author(s): Weiser Sheri D, Heisler Michele, Leiter Karen, Percy-de Korte Fiona, Tlou Sheila, DeMonner Sonya, Phaladze Nthabiseng, Bangsberg David R, Iacopino Vincent
Primary Institution: Physicians for Human Rights, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
Hypothesis
What are the attitudes and practices regarding routine HIV testing in Botswana after its implementation?
Conclusion
Routine HIV testing is widely supported in Botswana and may help reduce barriers to testing.
Supporting Evidence
- 81% of participants were in favor of routine testing.
- 89% believed routine testing would decrease barriers to testing.
- 60% thought it would reduce HIV-related stigma.
- 93% believed it would increase access to antiretroviral treatment.
- 48% of participants reported having been tested for HIV.
Takeaway
Most people in Botswana think routine HIV testing is a good idea and believe it will help more people get tested for HIV.
Methodology
A cross-sectional, population-based study using structured surveys among 1,268 adults from five districts in Botswana.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting may introduce bias, and the policy was not uniformly implemented across all medical facilities.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and results may not be generalizable to all of Botswana.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 18-49 from five districts in Botswana, with a seroprevalence of 37% among adults.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
AOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–1.9; AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.5–2.7; AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.3–2.7; AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.5; AOR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5–0.9; AOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.45–0.76
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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