HIV Testing among Adolescents in Ndola, Zambia: How Individual, Relational, and Environmental Factors Relate to Demand

Abstract

This study examined how individual, relational and environmental factors related to adolescent demand for HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). A cross-sectional survey among randomly selected 16-19-year-olds in Ndola, Zambia, covered individual (e.g., HIV knowledge), environmental (e.g., distance), and relational factors (e.g., discussed VCT with family). Multivariate regression analysis compared 98 respondents who planned to test for HIV within the year with 341 respondents who did not. Discussing HIV testing with family members was strongly associated with planning to test (odds ratio [OR] = 6.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.24-16.58). VCT discussions with sex partners (OR = 3.64; 95% CI = 1.13-11.71) and with friends (OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.34-5.08) were also associated with HIV testing plans. Significant individual factors were having ever had sex (OR = 2.33; 95% CI = 1.41-3.84) and HIV risk perception (OR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.51-4.88). Relational and individual factors strongly correlated with VCT demand, supporting the need to examine these factors when implementing and evaluating adolescent VCT strategies.