Factors associated with HIV testing among female sex workers in Botswana

Botswana continues to have a high level of HIV prevalence, with about 17% of the population living with HIV AIDS (BAIS IV, 2013). Female sex workers are classified among the most at risk population group in the country. However, sub-national disaggregated data on new infections are not available. Hence, there is a need to focus great attention on other proxies of infection. The present study examines predictors of HIV testing among female sex workers (FSWs) in Botswana. The FSWs were recruited into the study using the time-location cluster sampling method (TLS) to collect data on prevalence and incidence of HIV and other STIs and their risk factors for HIV. The logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate crude odds ratios and identify the factors associated with having an HIV test among the FSWs. HIV prevalence among sex workers in Botswana was found to be 3 times higher than in the general population. Analysis of the results shows that the sex workers most likely to seek HIV testing were young women with no children. The odds of testing for HIV were almost 4 times more for FSWs who had first sex older as compared to the odds of testing for those who are 17 to 19 years old. Lack of or inconsistent condom use and currently having symptoms of STIs such as lower abdominal pain and genital ulcerations were also factors associated with HIV testing. Results further show that FSW hold little discrimination and stigma related attitudes towards PLWA. FSWs have little participation in the HIV prevention, treatment and care efforts currently accessed by the general population. It is recommended is that this framework should also be extended to FSW’s and their clients in order to curb HIV and STIs. Key words: Female sex workers, HIV testing, Botswana, prevalence, associated factors, odds ratio.