Socio-demographic Determinants of HIV Counseling and Testing Uptake among Young People in Nigeria

Abstract

Young people are particularly affected by the HIV epidemics and are the focal point of intervention in most African countries. However, uptake of HCT among young people aged 15 to 24 years in Nigeria is very low. This study aimed at identifying factors that may affect uptake of HCT among young people in Nigeria using data from a national population based survey. Analysis was based on responses from 4624 individuals using the chi square and logistic regression approach. About 10% of the respondents had ever undertaken an HIV test. Knowledge of HCT centers, education status, place of residence, sexual intercourse experience, geopolitical zone and socio economic status are all significant determinants of uptake of HIV test among young people in Nigeria. Respondents who know a place to access HIV test are about 2 times more likely to take the test, those who have at least secondary education are about 1.8 times more likely to take an HIV test while young people who reside in urban areas are about 1.5 times more likely to go for an HIV test. Improving knowledge of HCT centers, education and sensitization program on benefits of HCT will improve uptake of HCT among the young people in Nigeria.