Trends of HIV/AIDS Infection in Arsi Zone from 2002-2008 E.C (2010 to 2016 G.C), Oromia Region Ethiopia: Evidence from VCT Registry

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Introduction:</jats:bold> HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. Globally, about 36.7 million people living with HIV currently, more than two third of the infection is the burden of Sub-Saharan Africa. Knowing the status of HIV/AIDS has the great value to individual health of treatment with ART and in terms of reductions in individual morbidity and mortality, and is equally cost-effective. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess trends and associated factor of HIV infection in Arsi zone from 2010 to 2016.<jats:bold>Methodology: </jats:bold>A retrospective study was conducted in Arsi zone. Thirty health facilities (27 health centers and 3 Hospitals) were selected for the study from all woreda in the Zone. A total of 205,691 data was collected from VCT registration book. Data were entered into computer using Epi info 3.5.4 and exported for analysis to SPSS 21. Data were presented using tables and figures using line graphs. Logistic regression was used to see the association and significance was declared at P-value&lt;0.05 <jats:bold>Result: </jats:bold>The study showed a total of 4300 HIV positive cases were reported between 2002(2009 G.C) to 2008(2016 G.C) according to available VCT registration book during survey at 30 health facilities. The trends of HIV of infection were not properly defined, it was 3.4% in 2002(2010 G.C ) and mean while a gradual drop has been observed in the next five consecutive years, almost which was less than 2% prevalence and in 2008 the prevalence was raised to 2.4% compared to 2007 and before. The changes in HIV prevalence were uneven among districts. Findings from logistic regression analysis indicated that the fitted demographic characteristics like, marital status, age and occupation were significantly associated with HIV positivity in both bivariate and multivariate analysis.<jats:bold>Conclusion:</jats:bold> There are no encouraging indications that the HIV prevalence has decreasing since there were variation among districts. Therefore there is a need of designing comprehensive strategy to combat the spread of HIV infections among all individuals. It is also important to strengthening VCT services at all level with strict follow up.<jats:bold> </jats:bold></jats:p>