Factors associated with ever HIV testing among injecting drug users (IDUs) in two HIV high prevalent States of India

Background & objectives: Injecting drug use plays a major role in HIV transmission in northeastern States of India. HIV testing is the fundamental component of HIV prevention, treatment and care; but it remains relatively low among injecting drug users (IDUs) in the northeast region of the country. We assessed the factors associated HIV testing among IDUs in the two northeastern States (Nagaland & Manipur) of India. Methods: A total of 1699 IDUs from four districts of Manipur (Churachandpur and Bishenpur) and Nagaland (Phek and Wokha) were recruited through respondent driven sampling (RDS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with ever HIV testing. Results: Only 286(16.8%) respondents were ever tested for HIV. Factors associated with ever HIV testing were: having 5-10 years of education (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.15-5.06), having >11 years of education (AOR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.83-8.57), being a businessman (AOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.14-2.85), having been contacted by HIV programme workers (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.37-2.68), having received counselling services (AOR: 2.02,95% CI: 1.45-2.81), having knowledge that THY can be prevented (AOR: 4.33,95% CI: 2.05-9.12), having self-perceived risk of HIV infection (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26-2.24) and being a resident of Churachandpur district (AOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.36-3.75). Interpretation & conclusions: Increased uptake of HIV testing was associated with exposure to HIV programmes, knowledge of HIV prevention, self-perceived risk of HIV, and higher educational attainment. Urgent measures need to be undertaken based on these findings to promote uptake of HIV testing among the IDUs in this region.