Understanding the impact of women’s correct risk perception on human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis: Insights from South Africa

Abstract

Background South African women have the highest burden of HIV infections globally. We investigated the temporal trends and the impact of key factors associated with HIV diagnosis among a nationally representative cohort of South African women. Methods Total of 24,657 women who participated in the National HIV, Behaviour and Health Surveys conducted from 2002-to-2017. Results Despite decades-long prevention efforts, we observed a significant increase in HIV prevalence over time (22% in 2002 to 21% in 2005-2008 and 29% in 2012-2017). Overall, 46% of the women living with HIV were not aware of their risk of HIV with age-specific disparities. Our findings revealed compelling evidence between HIV seropositivity and high HIV risk-perception (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR):1.47 to 3.29) which increased overtime and exceeded the other factors. At a population-level, 45% of the HIV diagnoses were exclusively associated with women who believed they were at risk of HIV in 2012-2017. Women who reported using condoms at last sexual act were also at increased risk of HIV infection, with a population attributable risk of 18% (2002) to 21% (2012-2017). Conclusion There is an urgent need for culturally, socially, and linguistically appropriate prevention and awareness campaigns with realistic, non-confrontational messages.