High Prevalence of Undiagnosed HIV in South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Kranzer Katharina, van Schaik Nienke, Karmue Unice, Middelkoop Keren, Sebastian Elaine, Lawn Stephen D., Wood Robin, Bekker Linda-Gail
Primary Institution: The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV and the uptake of HIV testing in a peri-urban South African community?
Conclusion
The study found a high burden of undiagnosed HIV despite high coverage of HIV testing, indicating a very high incidence.
Supporting Evidence
- 71.0% of participants had previously tested for HIV.
- Overall HIV prevalence was 22.7% in the study population.
- Prevalence of previously undiagnosed HIV was 10.3% overall.
- The highest prevalence was found in women aged 25.1–35 years at 41.8%.
Takeaway
Many people in South Africa who have HIV don't know it, even though a lot of them have been tested before. This means we need to test more often.
Methodology
A random sample of 10% of the adult population was invited to a mobile HIV counseling and testing service, where they completed a questionnaire and underwent HIV testing.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may have influenced self-reported HIV testing experience.
Limitations
Non-attendance rate of 12% and potential recall bias in self-reported previous testing.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily South African, with a significant portion being recent migrants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 20.3–25.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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