Client characteristics and gender-specific correlates of testing HIV positive: a comparison of standalone center versus mobile outreach HIV testing and counseling in Botswana.
Using data from Botswana's largest HIV testing and counseling (HTC) provider, Tebelopele, we evaluate populations served and gender-specific correlates of testing HIV-positive among clients of two programs: standalone centers and outreach testing. Client records from January to June 2007 (n = 47,890) were evaluated by HTC program and gender. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify demographic, testing, and risk-behavior variables associated with testing HIV-positive. Compared to outreach testing, standalone centers served proportionally more clients who were young, well-educated, unmarried, and HIV-infected; outreach testing reached an older, less-educated population. Age, educational attainment, marital status, couples testing, testing because of illness or discordant relationship, and nonuse of condoms (among young clients only) were consistently associated with testing HIV-positive, by HTC program and gender. Our evaluation suggests that Tebelopele standalone and outreach HTC programs serve different populations, and identifies strategies to reduce HIV infection risk and to improve uptake of HTC by HIV-infected, undiagnosed Batswana.
Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. juliaehood@gmail.com
Julia E
JE
Hood
Duncan
D
MacKellar
Anne
A
Spaulding
Rob
R
Nelson
Boingotlo
B
Mosiakgabo
Bangwato
B
Sikwa
Innocentia
I
Puso
Jan
J
Raats
Peter
P
Loeto
Mary Grace
MG
Alwano
Blessed
B
Monyatsi
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001902:Botswana; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003376:Counseling; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D008952:Mobile Health Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D035141:Voluntary Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055815:Young Adult