Utilization of HIV Self-Testing and Associated Factors Among Partners of People Living with HIV in Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Comparative Global Analysis

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing (HIVST) is a promising tool for expanding HIV testing access and increasing early detection, particularly in settings with high HIV burden. This study aims to evaluate the utilization of HIVST among partners of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nifas Silk Lafto sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to explore factors that influence its uptake. Objective: This study aimed to assess the utilization of HIVST among partners of PLHIV attending ART clinics in Nifas Silk Lafto sub-city, Addis Ababa, and to identify the factors associated with its use. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 362 participants who were partners of PLHIV attending ART clinics. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires to assess demographic factors, HIV status awareness, utilization of HIVST, and associated barriers. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant factors influencing HIVST uptake. The significance of odds ratios was determined with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05. Results: HIVST utilization for partner testing was 25.4%, with 92 out of 362 participants using HIVST. Key factors significantly associated with lower utilization included being 40 years or older (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.37), having only elementary education (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.76), and secondary education (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.71), and being unaware of the partner’s HIV status (AOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.59). Additionally, individuals on ART for less than a year were less likely to utilize HIVST (AOR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.67). Conclusion: Utilization of HIVST among partners of PLHIV remains low. Factors such as age, education level, HIV status disclosure, and ART duration influence testing uptake. Addressing stigma, enhancing awareness, and improving access to HIVST kits are crucial to increasing utilization. These findings can inform targeted HIV prevention strategies in Ethiopia and similar resource-limited settings.