Socioeconomic Determinants of Use of HIV Testing Services among Gender Based Violence (GBV) Survivors in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study estimates a binary logistic regression model to examine the socio-economic determinants of utilizing HIV testing services amongst female gender based violence (GBV) survivors in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, using cross-sectional data from 130 female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The findings show that number of children, age of survivor and level of access to healthcare are positively associated with the use of HIV testing services, whereas religion and survivor’s marital status are negatively associated with the use of HIV testing services. Programs aimed at improving utilization of HIV testing services should therefore place emphasis on younger women, with a view to raise awareness on the dangers of poor utilization of such services. Furthermore, policy makers should aim to increase resources for improving access to healthcare, particularly by increasing mobile clinics and Victim Friendly Units so that female GBV survivors will be motivated to utilize the HIV testing services.

Keywords: intimate partner violence, socioeconomic factors, GBV survivor