Characteristics and Sexual Risk Behavior of Men Who Never Tested for HIV in Zambia

Abstract

Compared with women and girls, proportionately fewer men and boys in sub-Saharan Africa receive HIV testing, treatment, and other services. This study determined factors associated with never testing for HIV and examined never testing as a predictor of sexual risk behavior among men in Zambia. The sample included 2,609 men aged 15 to 24 from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regression results revealed that compared with men who ever tested for HIV, men who never tested were more likely to be younger, have less education, have no children, be unemployed, and belong to the low wealth bracket. They also had a higher likelihood of not using a condom at last sex but were less likely to have more than five lifetime sexual partners. HIV prevention programs can use sociodemographic characteristics to identify those who have a lower likelihood of testing for HIV. Prevention programs can use sociodemographic characteristics to develop profiles of those who may especially need to be targeted by initiatives to promote HIV testing. Awareness does not always engender behavior change; therefore, in addition to knowledge of HIV status, risk reduction should also be emphasized.