Drivers of HIV self-test kit among Tanzanian men aged 15-49: findings from the 2022 TDHS-MIS cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Introduction: The introduction of the HIV self-test kit in the early 2000s was a major breakthrough in combating HIV. This study determines the social demographic and sexual behaviour driving the use of HIV self-test kits.

Method: The study used secondary data obtained from Tanzania DHS-MIS 2022. The survey uses a stratified two-stage sample design. The first stage involved the selection of clusters consisting of enumeration areas, and in the second stage of sampling, 26 households were selected from each cluster.

Results: The mean age = 28.6 years. Usage of HIV self-test kits was found to be low (3.9%). The odds of using HIV self-test kits were 2.2 and 6.6 times more likely among those with primary (aOR = 2.2, 95%CI = 2.2-2.3) and secondary (aOR = 6.6, 95%CI 6.6-6.7) education compared to those without education respectively. As age increases, the odds of using HIV self-test kits increases. Men residing in rural areas were about 40% less likely to use HIV self-test kits compared to those dwelling in urban areas (aOR = 0.6, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Significant demographic and sexual behaviour factors associated with the usage of HIV self-test kits include sex of household head, education level, marital status, wealth status, age, ever heard of sexually transmitted infection and condom use during sexual intercourse. HIV self-test kits were used more in urban areas than in rural areas. It is essential to raise awareness and improve access to HIV self-test kits for less informed populations, such as those living in rural areas.