HIV Counseling and Testing Service Utilization and Associated Factors Among Youths Attending Public Health Institutions in Woldia Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study, 2025
Befkad Derese Tilahun, Mulat Ayele, Eyob Shitie Lake, Gizachew Yilak, Tegene Atamenta Kitaw, Bekalu Alemayehu Attinafu, Tesfaye Engdaw Habtie, Nimona AmenaBackground
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV counseling and testing (HCT) services are essential for early diagnosis, treatment linkage, and prevention. However, HCT utilization among Ethiopian youths remains suboptimal.
Objective
To assess HCT utilization and associated factors among youths attending public health institutions in Woldia Town, Northeast Ethiopia, in 2025.
Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 youths aged 15–24 years from December 2–29, 2025. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Results
HCT utilization was 54.5%. Higher utilization was associated with awareness of HCT services (AOR=10.20), knowledge of service locations (AOR=4.82), correct HIV testing knowledge (AOR=2.93), and receiving HIV information from health workers (AOR=2.47). Students and youths who spent more than 1 hour at facilities were less likely to use HCT services.
Conclusion
Strengthening youth-focused HIV education, improving access, and reducing healthcare barriers may enhance HCT uptake among youths.