Lifetime HIV testing frequency among women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A DHS-based analysis using zero-inflated negative binomial regression

LUSAKA – A groundbreaking study published by Plos.org reveals that despite significant strides in HIV prevention and care across Sub-Saharan Africa, over half of reproductive-age women in the region have never undergone an HIV test. The research, which analysed Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from nine Sub-Saharan African countries, including Zambia, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve testing frequency and reduce the disproportionate impact of HIV on women. While the regional average indicates that 52.96% of women aged 15-49 have never been tested, Zambia stands out as a beacon of progress, boasting an impressive 86.9% lifetime HIV testing rate among its reproductive-age female population. This figure positions Zambia significantly above the regional average and highlights the effectiveness of its national health strategies. However, the study also points to persistent inequities within the region, with countries like Chad recording rates as low as 6.1%. The mean number of lifetime HIV tests across the surveyed countries was 2.49, with a median of 0, illustrating a stark disparity in access and uptake. The study, led by Agazhe Aemro and his colleagues, identified several key factors influencing HIV testing frequency. Women with comprehensive HIV knowledge, awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and greater media exposure were significantly more likely to have undergone testing. Conversely, lower education levels and rural residency were associated with a reduced likelihood of testing. This suggests that educational campaigns and improved access to information through various media channels are crucial in encouraging testing behaviour. For Zambia, while overall testing rates are commendable, previous research, including analyses of the Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), has consistently highlighted persistent inequities. Women with no education, those in the poorest wealth quintiles, and those residin