HIV testing acceptance and its associated factors among key and priority populations in Harar town, Harari region,...

Globally, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing service acceptance increased impressively in every regions. In spite of this fact, in the majority of the Sub-Saharan African countries more than half of the people living with Human immunodeficiency virus are not aware of their sero-status. Particularly, key and priority populations are understudied compared to other population segment. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the magnitude and factors associated with Human immunodeficiency virus testing service acceptance among key and priority populations in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia from March 15 to April 15, 2024.

A Community-based Cross-sectional study was employed among randomly selected 388 key and priority populations in Harar town. A simple random sampling technique was used to obtain the study participants. Data was collected using the structured questionnaire developed from different similar and relevant literatures. Data entered into EpiData version 3.0 and exported to STATA Version 15.00for analysis. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the associated predictor variables with outcome variables and adjusted odd ratio was used to report the effect size.

The overall HIV testing service acceptance rate was 82.5% (95% CI: 78%, 86%). After adjusting for all potential confounders using multivariate logistic regression and finally being orthodox Christian followers (AOR = 3.65 95% CI: 1.41, 9.46), those had history of visiting health facility with their partner/s for any service (AOR = 3.24 95% CI: 1.22,8.56), being sex workers (SWs) (AOR = 15.43 95% CI: 2.18, 109.4), respondents who knew the place where the HIV testing service exist (AOR = 8.28 95% CI: 1.7, 40.27) and had no fear of known by others (AOR = 4 95% CI: 1.46, 10.92), who believed that HIV is not curable (AOR = 4.61 95% CI: 1.48, 14.26) and who had family or community support (AOR = 2.74 95% CI: 1.1, 7.1) were significantly associated with HIV testing acceptance.

In conclusion, this study highlighted several factors were significantly associated with HIV testing acceptance, including being orthodox Christian, sex worker, having history of visiting health facility with their partner/s for any service, knowing place where HIV testing service exist, having no fear of known by others, knowing that HIV is not curable disease and having family or community support. The finding emphasis that the role of individual perceptions and social/community support in influencing of HIV testing service uptake. Addressing these misconceptions and fostering enabling environments for the key and priority populations in the future public health strategies may enhance the efforts of the prevention and control of HIV spread.