Factors associated with HIV testing among women during pregnancy in Kenya: evidence from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014

ABSTRACT

This study examined the factors affecting HIV testing among women during pregnancy while on ANC visits in Kenya, using the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. The sample included 3,747 (weighted N = 36,626) pregnant women who gave birth in last two years. Survey-weighted bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. More than four-fifths (83.9%) of the participants reported that they had an HIV test during ANC visits in last two years. In the adjusted model, married (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]:1.48, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]:1.06, 2.06, p < 0.001) than not in a union, having HIV counselling (aOR:1.89, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.56, p < 0.001), higher knowledge on HIV transmission (aOR:1.19, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.34, p = 0.006), increased the likelihood of testing for HIV. While women who were ≥20 years, living in other regions except Nyanza and Nairobi than people living in Coastal region, and who had higher HIV-related stigma (OR:0.83, 95%CI:0.73, 0.94, p = 0.004) had less chance of being tested. These findings have implications on the successful utilization of ANC services in resource limited regions. Culturally appropriate health education can influence cultural norms and enhance timely access of ANC services among women during pregnancy.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV testing
• Pregnant women
• Antenatal care visits
• HIV-related stigma
• HIV transmission knowledge
• Kenya

Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to ICF International and MEASURE DHS, Calverton, MD, USA for granting permission to use the KDHS dataset.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in The DHS Program at https://dhsprogram.com/data/dataset/Kenya_Standard-DHS_2014.cfm?flag=0

Authors’ contribution

MRH designed the study, analyzed, and interpreted data. MRH, CK, and HSG developed the first draft of the manuscript. MRH and CK edited and finalized the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final draft of the manuscript.