Abstract
BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS has been a significant health issue among the population in Mozambique, Sub-Saharan Africa. Although there are studies in the region that have investigated the determinants of HIV testing, very few have covered Mozambique with current and comprehensive information. This research was aimed at establishing the socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural factors that had been associated with an HIV test result and provide an up-to-date assessment of the dynamic change in the HIV risk in the nation. METHODS: This study explored the favorable association between the results of the HIV tests and the selected background factors based on the 3729 respondents who participated in the 2022-2023 Mozambique Mini Demographic and Health Survey (MMDHS). The data were analyzed using Chi-square and binary logistic regression techniques and the SPSS version 25. Model fit was assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. RESULT: The odds of testing positive for HIV increased with age, with individuals aged 26-30 (OR = 3.60, CI: 1.95), 31-35 (OR = 4.74, CI: 2.56), and over 35 years (OR = 7.57, CI: 4.16) showing higher likelihoods compared to those aged 15-20. Respondents living in rural areas (OR = 0.75, CI: 0.57-0.99) and those with secondary (OR = 0.51) or higher education (OR = 0.13) were less likely to test positive. Regarding relationship type, respondents with "live-in partners" had lower odds of HIV infection (OR = 0.708), whereas those in the "Others" category had substantially higher risk (OR = 2.135). Higher odds were significantly associated with genital ulcers (OR = 1.81) and having more than three sexual partners in the past year (OR = 1.99). CONCLUSION: The analyses reveal the important links between the status of HIV and socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural factors in Mozambique. It highlights the importance of targeted interventions that encourage safe sex and more education programs, as well as better awareness of HIV and increased access to testing among different population groups.