Predictors of HIV testing uptake among men in Ghana: insights from the 2017/2018 multiple indicator cluster survey.

BACKGROUND

Despite the scale-up of HIV testing services, men in sub-Saharan Africa continue to have lower testing rates compared to women, hindering efforts to achieve epidemic control. This study aimed to assess the predictors of HIV testing among men in a nationally representative sample in Ghana.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2017/2018 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Six (MICS6). The analytic sample included 3,169 men aged 15–64 years. The main outcome variable was self-reported history of ever testing for HIV. Key predictors examined were age, education, marital status, wealth quintiles, condom use at last sex, male circumcision, urban/rural residence and region. Data analysis involved a combination of descriptive statistics and regression modeling. Initially, descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were then conducted to examine the relationships between the outcome and explanatory variables.

RESULTS

Overall, only 29.0% of men reported ever testing for HIV. Men aged 15–24 were less likely to be tested for HIV compared to those aged 45 and older (AOR = 0.57, P = 0.005). Lower education (primary/no education: AOR = 0.24, P < 0.001; secondary: AOR = 0.37, P < 0.001) and lower wealth (poorest quintile: AOR = 0.29, P < 0.001) were associated with reduced testing. Married men were more likely to be tested (AOR = 1.40, P = 0.044). Regional variations showed men from Western, Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Brong Ahafo were less likely to be tested than those from Upper West. Factors such as childbirth history, circumcision, and urban residency were not significant predictors of HIV testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic and socioeconomic disparities persist in HIV testing uptake among men. By addressing the diverse needs of different demographic groups and regions, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted, equitable HIV testing strategies that promote widespread testing and contribute to national efforts to achieve epidemic control.