Socio-economic Determinants Of Hiv Testing In Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the determinants related to the economic and social aspects of individuals that cause a change in the HIV testing pattern in Kenya. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a virus called the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that wanes the immune system. HIV is a disease that continuously causes impairment to an individual’s immune system. There has been various interventions to curb the infection rate globally. However HIV testing has been the major approach to deal with HIV prevention and also make people aware of their HIV status. Previously new HIV infections have drastically reduced but the testing target is not where it is expected. Various reports (Kenya Demographic Health survey, Kenya HIV county profiles and Kenya AIDS progress report) indicate that HIV testing statistics remain low. Kenya Demographic and health survey is a cross sectional report documented every 5 years. This study aimed at finding out the various socio-economic determinants such as (age, gender, wealth index, residence, marital status and education level) as independent variables to reveal the association of the indicated variables to the dependent variable (HIV testing) that affect the low HIV coverage in Kenya. Kenya Demographic Health Survey of 2014 was used as a data source since it contained the various factors under consideration. The logit regression model was employed in estimation of the variables. The dependent variable used was HIV testing (service utilization) while the independent variables used included: age, gender, marital status, level of education, place of residence and wealth index. At 5% and 10% significance levels, the study findings revealed age, gender, marital status, level of education, place of residence and wealth index as significant determinants of utilization of HIV testing services. Age, gender and place of current residence reduced HIV testing with every unit increase of the said variables, whereas education, marital status and wealth index positively and statistically increased utilization HIV testing services among the respondents in Kenya. The study suggests development and implementation of policies targeting more men, older people and those not in any unions or marriage. As from the study movement from lower wealth quintiles towards higher wealth quintiles is associated with increase in HIV testing .There is need to hold sessions and meetings among men and older people to enlighten them on their right and responsibility to ensure they are aware of their status by seeking HIV testing services.