The Determinant for the Uptake of HIV testing among women aged 15-49 years in Liberia. A cross-sectional study based on the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey of Liberia

Sammanfattning: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global challenge with an estimate of 37.9 million confirm cases. Testing remains a critical indicator of HIV diagnosis and treatment, as it is the primary step towards taking accountability for the protection of oneself and the protection of others. Aim: This secondary analysis of Liberia Demographic and Health Survey data from 2013 aimed to statistically describe the association between Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP), demographics factors such as age, education, marital status, wealth, religion, place of residence, and testing uptake.  Methods: A cross-sectional study of Liberian women (n=7353, aged 15 - 49 ) was performed. Statistical analysis of the chi-square test and logistics regression was employed to identify the association between independent variables (KAP), selected demographics factors, and the dependent variable (HIV testing).   Results: The key findings of the study are that there is a statistically significant relationship between comprehensive knowledge and testing for HIV. The attitude in terms of stigmatizing behavior is also significantly associated with testing uptake. Demographic factors age, education, being ever married, being a Muslim, belonging to the middle class, and living in the rural area are positive determinants of HIV testing in Liberia. The study confirmed that there is no statistically significant association between high-risk behavior and testing uptake among women aged 15-49 in Liberia. Conclusion: Knowledge, stigmatizing attitude, and some demographic factors are determinants of testing uptake in Liberia.