Risk factors associated with recent and long-term HIV infections among newly identified HIV positive clients in Kyenjojo District, Western Uganda. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background Despite the implementation of many preventative efforts, new HIV infections among the general population continue to occur in Uganda. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with recent & long-term HIV infections among newly identified HIV positive clients in Kyenjojo District, Western Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach. The collected data were analyzed using STATA. Data was presented in the form of text, tables, and graphs. Logistic regression was used to test for association, while an odds ratio was used as the measure of the association between the two variables, and data was presented in terms of text, tables, and pie-charts. Results A total of 211 respondents participated in the study; 91.9% of the participants were found to have long-term HIV infections. Recent HIV infection was significantly associated with being Christians (AOR = 15.01; 95% CI: 3.89–28.06; p = 0.005), earning less than 100,000 shillings per month (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.72–6.25; p= 0.020), perceived the waiting time at the health facility as long (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI: 1.12–6.82; p = 0.003), having the nearest health facility providing HIV/AIDS services (AOR = 13.96; 95% CI: 9.14–20.79; p = 0.002), and reporting that health workers were friendly and welcoming (AOR = 13.38; 95% CI: 4.13–41.90; p = 0.006). Conclusion Long-term HIV infection was in nine out of every ten participants, and recent HIV infection was associated with the facility providing HIV/AIDS services and the behaviors of the health workers. Recommendation The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with health facility administrators, should implement a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy to address recent HIV infections by targeting high-risk populations