Trends and spatial patterns of human immunodeficiency virus prevalence among men and women aged 15–49 in Sierra Leone: evidence from the 2008, 2013 and 2019 Demographic and Health Surveys

The human immunodeficiency virus prevalence across different districts is inconsistent, with Western areas having a higher prevalence while Southern and Northern regions showed varying trends. Hotspot regions were identified, with changes in high-risk areas over time. Predictors of human immunodeficiency virus prevalence in hotspot areas include age 15-19, urban residents and no formal education. The study suggests the need for prevention and intervention programmes for these high-risk areas and groups to reduce human immunodeficiency virus transmission in Sierra Leone.