Knowledge of HIV Status & ART Use

Nearly two-thirds of people with a positive HIV test in SHIMS (63%) were already aware of their HIV status. A substantial proportion (38%) was unaware of their HIV status at the time of their test. Half (50%) of men with a positive HIV test in SHIMS were unaware of their HIV status, as compared to nearly one-third (32%) of women. These findings highlight the need for a sustained effort to increase HIV testing coverage levels and frequency in the general population of Swaziland, with a particular emphasis on increasing access in men.

Prior knowledge of HIV status differed between men and women. Among persons who tested HIV-seropositive in the pre-cohort survey, over two-thirds of women (68%) were previously aware of being HIV-positive. In contrast, only half of men (50%) were previously aware of their HIV status. Overall, nearly two-thirds of people with a positive HIV test in SHIMS (63%) were already aware of their HIV status.

Prevalence (%) of Prior Knowledge of HIV Status Among HIV-seropositive Adults, 18-49 years, by Sex and Awareness

The below figure shows antiretroviral therapy (ART) use among HIV-positive participants who were already aware of their HIV status at the time of the pre-cohort survey and of all persons testing HIV-positive during the pre-cohort survey. Overall, half (50%) of HIV-positive participants, who were already aware of their HIV status were taking ARVs; this percentage was higher in men (58%) compared to women (46%). Amongst all subjects who tested positive for HIV during the pre-cohort survey, about one third (34%) was currently on ART; this percentage was almost the same in women (33%) and men (34%). HIV positive men who were aware of their status were more frequently on ART than women. However, the overall proportion of ART use in HIV-positive subjects was about the same in men and women.

Prevalence (%) of Self-reported ART Use Among HIV-seropositive Adults, 18-49 years