The Optimization of HIV Testing in Eastern Indonesia: Findings from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey

There is a concerning increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence in eastern Indonesia. HIV testing rates in this area are the lowest in the country. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of HIV testing in the Public Health Centers (PHCs) in eastern Indonesia. A cross-sectional study design was utilized using secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). We focused the survey on eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua) with PHC settings. After we weighted and removed missing data, we obtained 2118 surveys (425 males and 1693 females aged 14-54 years). Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the determinants of HIV testing optimization in eastern Indonesia with a significance level of p < 0.05. The HIV testing coverage at the PHCs in eastern Indonesia was found to be 28.28%. From the survey, we found that respondents from the province of Papua (AOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.09-1.91), those who were female (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.75-3.12), and those with more information on HIV (AOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.41-2.51) were more likely to undergo HIV testing at the PHCs. Meanwhile, the wealthiest respondents (AOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42-0.89) and the respondents who engaged in the perpetuation of stigmatization (AOR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.42-1.02) were less likely to undergo HIV testing at the PHCs. The coverage of HIV testing in eastern Indonesia needs special attention from the Indonesian government. Increasing equity, distributing information regarding HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) through social media, and creating accessible HIV testing in rural areas are vital for developing appropriate interventions.