Prevalence and predictors of not testing for HIV among young men in Papua New Guinea: a cross-sectional analysis from a nationally representative sample

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundInadequate uptake of HIV testing is a major obstacle for HIV prevention, treatment, and care among young people. Understanding the factors that predict testing is critical for maximizing HIV prevention. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of not testing for HIV among young men aged 15-24 years in PNG.MethodsData were drawn from the 2016-2018 Demographic and Health Survey (PNGDHS). A total of 1,362 young men were included in the study. The analysis employed Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis using the complex sampling technique to determine predictors of not testing for HIV.ResultsThe prevalence of not testing for HIV among young men was 82.7%. Young men who were never married (AOR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.19-2.96), did not own a mobile phone (AOR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.17-2.77), had not paid anyone for sex (AOR 2.82; 95% CI: 1.29-6.14), and had no STIs (AOR 1.97; 95% CI: 1.00-3.85) had higher odds of not testing for HIV. The odds of not testing for HIV remained lower among young men who did not always use a condom during sex (AOR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.96).ConclusionHIV testing among young men in this study was much lower, suggesting an urgent need to adopt novel prevention approaches to address this shortfall. Furthermore, youth-oriented health services should be prioritized to improve HIV knowledge, risk reduction, and behaviour change among young men in this setting.