Determinants of Community HIV Index Testing among HIV Index Clients in Yirol West County, South Sudan

Background: Index case HIV/AIDS testing is a useful approach for addressing and enhancing the efficiency and yield of testing in high-risk populations among the high-risk groups for contracting HIV/AIDS partners and relatives of those existing with the disease.

Objective: The research aimed to establish the determinants of community HIV index testing among HIV index clients in Yirol West County, South Sudan.

Methods: The research employed an analytical cross-sectional research strategy, where a mixed approach entailing both questionnaire guides and interview guides were utilized. The sample size was premeditated using Fischer's formula where 252 study respondents were recruited in this study. The chi-square test and regression (logistic analysis) were applied to identify the determinants of community HIV clients index testing. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was carried out. While data collection took one month, the entire study consumed one year to be completed.

Results: The utilization of community HIV index testing services was low in this study with only 24.2 % of the study respondents reporting utilizing these health services. Discussing HIV testing and counseling services (OR=3.3,95%CI=0.11-0.84),counseling to bring family members for HIV testing(OR=1.9,95%CI=0.29-0.97), and education level(OR=6.1,95%CI=0.04-0.65) was found to increase the odds of utilizing community HIV index testing. The presence of stigma (OR=8.3,95% CI=0.05-0.24) and lack of trust (OR=2,95%CI=0.27-0.96) among healthcare providers reduced the odds of utilizing community HIV index testing.

Conclusion: The utilization of community HIV index testing services was low. Discussing HIV testing and counseling services, the status of marriage, gender, age, counseling to bring family members for HIV testing .and education level were found to increase the odds of utilizing community HIV index testing while the presence of stigma and discrimination, and duration lived with a partner lack of trust among health care providers reduced the odds of utilizing community HIV index testing. There is a need to put the necessary measures to enhance the increased uptake of community HIV index testing services.