Socio-demographic correlates of HIV testing among women in conflict areas – Northern Uganda

Elizabeth Nansubuga, Makerere University

An estimated 80% HIV-infected adults in Uganda are unaware of their sero-status and thus unable to access treatment. Since 1988, only 15% of adult Ugandans have tested for HIV/AIDS. Sero-prevalence is highest in Northern Uganda due to the insurgency with women more infected. The objective of this paper is to investigate the socio-demographic correlates of HIV testing among women in conflict areas of Northern Uganda. Using the Uganda Demographic Health Survey of 2006 dataset, 1,127 women were studied. Bivariate (chi-square) and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analysis was done using STATA. Results show that age, residence, education and marital status are demographic correlates while knowledge of someone with AIDS or died of AIDS, number of sexual partners and condom use during last sexual encounter are the socio-behavioural correlates, (p<0.005). It is recommended that behavioural change and communication programmes in conflict areas be strengthened and testing services brought closer for rural populations.