Factors influencing HIV testing among young women aged 15-24 according to the 2015-2016 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey

Introduction: Adolescent girls and young women develop two of three global new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections daily, yet they perceive little risk of acquiring it, thus neglecting their status. HIV testing is fundamental for its prevention and achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets.Material and methods: Data from the 2015-2016 Malawi demographic and health survey on women to establish the HIV testing factors were obtained. SPSS bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to determine HIV testing factors among young women aged 15-24.Results: Of all 10,422 young women 69.5% had done HIV testing, most of whom were rural dwellers. Women between 20 and 24 years old were 2.6 (AOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 2.11-3.43%) times more likely to carry out HIV testing than those aged 15-19. Reading newspapers or magazines less than once a week and listening to a radio at least once a week increased HIV testing by 1.9 and 1.5 times, respectively. A visit to a health facility in the past 12 months influenced HIV testing by 3 (AOR: 3.06; 95% CI: 2.41-3.89%) times. Contraceptives and condoms used influenced HIV testing 4.4 (AOR: 4.40; 95% CI: 3.24-5.96%) and 2.1 (AOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.09-4.30%) times. Employed and wealthy young women were 1.6 times more likely to be tested. Husbands' education positively influenced HIV testing, while living in rural areas had a negative influence.Conclusion: Our findings emphasize potential factors in improving HIV testing and indicate that robust strategies are needed to increase HIV testing among young women in Malawi. Future research should focus on motivating factors that enhance HIV testing uptake in young Malawi women.