Using repeated home-based HIV testing services to reach and diagnose HIV infection among persons who have never tested for HIV, Chókwè health demographic surveillance system, Chókwè district, Mozambique, 2014–2017

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242281
• Publication Date: 2020-11-20T19:08:39Z
• Authors: Carol Lin; Isabelle Casavant; Alicia Jaramillo; Timothy Green
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Background HIV prevalence in Mozambique (12.6%) is one of the highest world, yet ~40% people living with (PLHIV) do not know their status. Strategies to increase testing uptake and diagnosis among PLHIV are urgently needed. Home-based services (HBHTS) have been evaluated primarily as a 1-time campaign strategy. Little known about potential repeating HBHTS diagnose infection persons who never tested (NTs), nor factors/reasons associated generalized epidemic setting. Methods During 2014–2017, counselors visited all households annually Chókwè Health Demographic Surveillance System (CHDSS) offered HBHTS. Cross-sectional surveys were administered randomly selected 10% or 20% samples CHDSS participants aged 15–59 years before conducted during visit. Descriptive statistics logistic regression used assess proportion NTs, having tested, acceptance, HIV-positive NTs. Results The NTs decreased from 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]:23%–26%) 2014 12% CI:11% –13%), 7% CI:6%–8%), CI:6%–8%) 2015, 2016, 2017, respectively. Adolescent boys girls adult men more likely than women be In each four years, majority (87%–90%) accepted yield subsequently accepting was (13%, 95% CI:10%–15%) gradually reduced 11% CI:8%–15%), 9% CI:6%–12%), 2% CI:0%–4%) Conclusions Repeated helpful increasing coverage identifying Chókwè. high HIV-prevalence settings low coverage, repeated can considered