Published in PLOS One on 2026-07-08, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Deogratius W Kinoko, Anthony C Kavindi, Paschal Yuda, Jovin R Tibenderana, Ahmed Y Nyaki, Sia E Msuya, Michael J Mahande
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0343753
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV. Despite expanded HIV testing services (HTS), the majority of AGYW remain unaware of their HIV status. This study aimed to assess determinants of HIV testing uptake among AGYW in mainland Tanzania before and after stratifying by age group (15–19 and 20–24 years) using data from two national surveys conducted over time.
The data from the Tanzania HIV Impact Surveys (2016/17 and 2022/23), collected using multi-stage stratified sampling, were analyzed on 12,714 adolescent girls and young women. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 17. Weighted Modified Poisson regression models with robust standard error were fitted to identify factors associated with HIV testing uptake before and after stratifying by age group (15–19 and 20–24 years). Results were presented as adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with a 95% confidence interval.
HIV testing uptake among adolescents remained stable at 40% in both the 2016/17 and 2022/23 surveys, while it increased among young women from 86% to 90% over the same period. Several factors were consistently associated with a higher prevalence of HIV testing uptake in both groups. Being in a union was more strongly associated with testing among adolescents (aPR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.38–1.68) compared with young adults (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07–1.17). Similarly, having secondary or higher education was associated with increased testing among adolescents (aPR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.04–1.43) and young adults (aPR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06–1.25). A history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was also strongly associated with HIV testing uptake, particularly among adolescents (aPR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.41–1.64), compared with young adults (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.09–1.15).
HIV testing uptake among AGYW in Tanzania has improved over time, with significant disparities between adolescents and young women. These findings highlight the need for age-specific strategies, intensifying adolescent-focused interventions while sustaining efforts among young women and reinforcing integrated reproductive health and HIV services.
Background
HIV/AIDS remains a major global public health concern, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the greatest burden of the global HIV epidemic [1]. In 2023, approximately 1.9 million AGYW aged 15–24 years were living with HIV worldwide, and most new infections in this group occurred in SSA [1]. In Tanzania, AGYW remain at a higher risk of HIV infection than males of the same age, highlighting the importance of improving HIV testing and prevention efforts among this vulnerable population [2].
Although Tanzania has made substantial progress in expanding HIV testing services, the persistent gap in HIV status awareness among AGYW underscores important considerations for the literature on national HIV testing policies and their effectiveness. National HIV testing strategies, led by the Ministry of Health Tanzania, and guided by global frameworks such as those from UNAIDS, emphasize universal access to testing through facility-based, community-based, and targeted approaches [3,4]. Another important policy dimension is the integration of HIV testing into broader health services, including STI management, family planning, and outpatient care [3]. Literature shows that such integration improves testing opportunities [5]. However, evidence from the literature suggests that policy availability does not necessarily translate into equitable uptake, particularly among adolescents [6]. For instance, according to THIS 2022/23, approximately 40.5% of HIV-positive AGYW are still unaware of their status in Tanzania, falling short of the first UNAIDS’ 95–95–95 targets [1,2]. Previous studies have revealed that approximately 44–66% of new HIV infections are from HIV-infected persons who are unaware of their HIV status [7].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Deogratius W Kinoko, Anthony C Kavindi, Paschal Yuda, Jovin R Tibenderana, Ahmed Y Nyaki, Sia E Msuya, Michael J Mahande. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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