HIV self-testing practice and associated factors among governmental medical college students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024.

BACKGROUND

Despite global health progress, HIV/AIDS continues to challenge many countries. HIV self-testing is a key strategy to improve testing and early detection. Nevertheless, medical students, who are at risk from both occupational and non-occupational exposure, are often overlooked, leaving many unaware of their HIV status and with limited access to counseling and testing services.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess HIV Self-Testing Practice and Associated Factors among Governmental Medical College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 375 medical students at a government college in Addis Ababa. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was performed, and variables with p < 0.25 were included in the multivariable model. Associations with p < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals were considered statistically significant.

RESULT: A total of 375 health science students participated (100% response rate). The prevalence of oral HIV self-testing was 19.2% (n = 72). Factors positively associated with HIVST practice included participation in HIV programs (AOR = 3.27; CI: 1.30-8.21), being male (AOR = 1.74; CI: 1.02-2.82), recent HIV risk exposure (AOR = 2.84; CI: 1.35-5.98), and a history of sexually transmitted infection (AOR = 3.18; CI: 1.42-7.12).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of oral HIV self-testing among students at the governmental medical college was 19.2%. Participation in HIV programs, recent HIV risk exposure, male sex, and a history of sexually transmitted infections were significantly associated with HIVST practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.