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Abstract

Background

South African women have the highest burden of HIV infections globally. We investigated the temporal trends and the impact of key factors associated with HIV diagnosis among a nationally representative cohort of South African women.

Methods

Total of 24,657 women who participated in the National HIV, Behaviour and Health Surveys conducted from 2002-to-2017.

Results

Despite decades-long prevention efforts, we observed a significant increase in HIV prevalence over time (22% in 2002 to 21% in 2005-2008 and 29% in 2012-2017). Overall, 46% of the women living with HIV were not aware of their risk of HIV with age-specific disparities. Our findings revealed compelling evidence between HIV seropositivity and high HIV risk-perception (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR):1.47 to 3.29) which increased overtime and exceeded the other factors. At a population-level, 45% of the HIV diagnoses were exclusively associated with women who believed they were at risk of HIV in 2012-2017. Women who reported using condoms at last sexual act were also at increased risk of HIV infection, with a population attributable risk of 18% (2002) to 21% (2012-2017).

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for culturally, socially, and linguistically appropriate prevention and awareness campaigns with realistic, non-confrontational messages.

Keywords

Women South Africa HIV self-perception temporal trends risk factors

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Understanding the impact of women’s correct risk perception on human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis: Insights from South Africa

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

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References

Supplementary Material