HIV self-testing uptake and associated factors among students and staff in a public university in Uganda: evidence from an analytic cross-sectional study

Human Immunodeficiency Virus self-testing (HIVST) improves access to HIV testing services by enhancing privacy and convenience. However, evidence on HIVST uptake and its associated factors among university populations in Uganda remains limited. This study determined HIVST uptake and identified factors associated with HIVST uptake among students and staff at Muni University, Uganda. This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted between 7 February 2026 and 20 March 2026. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. HIVST uptake was defined as self-reported ever use of an HIV self-test kit to test one’s own HIV status. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, and a multivariable Poisson regression model identified the factors independently associated with HIVST uptake. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Among 272 participants, HIVST uptake was 39.7% (108/272). In adjusted analyses, HIVST uptake was associated with having two or more sexual partners in the past six months (aPR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-2.00), alcohol or drug use (aPR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.28–1.68), and knowledge of a partner’s HIV status (aPR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.40–1.78). Conversely, daily income of ≥ 2 dollars was associated with a lower likelihood of HIVST uptake (aPR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.91). HIVST uptake among Muni University students and staff is nearly 40%. The HIVST uptake is influenced by sexual behavior, substance use, economic status, and HIV-related risk awareness. These findings should be leveraged to support university-based HIVST uptake to ensure early HIV diagnosis and treatment.