Low Rates of Repeat HIV Testing Despite Increased Availability of Antiretroviral Therapy in Rural Tanzania: Findings from 2003–2010

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062212
• Publication Date: 2013-04-23T17:50:17Z
• Authors: Caoimhe Cawley; Alison Wringe; Raphael Isingo; Baltazar Mtenga; Benjamin Clark; Milly Marston; Jim Todd; Mark Urassa; Basia Zaba
• Keywords: Counseling; Male; Surveillance; Science; Q; R; HIV Infections; History, 21st Century; Tanzania; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; Odds Ratio; Medicine; Humans; Mass Screening; Female; Public Health Surveillance; Research Article

Background HIV counselling and testing (HCT) services can play an important role in prevention by encouraging safe sexual behaviours linking HIV-infected clients to antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, regular repeat high-risk HIV-negative individuals is for timely initiation of ART as part the ‘treatment prevention’ approach. Aim To investigate HCT use during a round serological surveillance northwest Tanzania 2010, explore rates between 2003 2010. Methods were provided fourth, fifth sixth rounds 2003–2004 (Sero-4), 2006–2007 (Sero-5) 2010 (Sero-6). have also been available at government-run health centre other clinics study area since 2005. Questionnaires administered sero-surveys collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, behaviour reported previous services. Results The proportion participants using increased from 9.4% Sero-4 16.6% Sero-5 25.5% Sero-6. Among attending all three sero-survey (n = 2,010), proportions twice or more low, with 11.1% service offered more, 25.3% having tested if outside was taken into account. In multivariable analyses, HIV-positive less likely test than (aOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.006–0.52). Discussion/Conclusions Although over time, it disappointing that ever repeat-testing not even larger, considering increasing availability area. There some evidence people higher risk most test, which terms potential pick-up those greatest HIV-infection.