Determinants of HIV Prevalence Among Sexually Active Age Group Women in Ethiopia

Objective: To assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among sexually active women in Ethiopia and explore determinant factors associated with higher HIV prevalence rates. Methodology: The analysis was based on secondary data from the Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHS), a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted by the central statistical agency (CSA) of Ethiopia between January 18 and June 27, 2016. The raw data were extracted from household and biomarker questionnaires, with HIV testing performed using dried blood spot specimens collected from eligible women aged 15–49 years. Results: Of 14,443 women (aged 15–49 years) tested, 278 (1.9%) were HIV-positive. Most respondents (68%) resided in rural areas, while 32% were from urban areas. The mean age was 28 years (Standard deviation (SD)±9.2). HIV prevalence increased with age (Pearson r=0.087, P<0.01). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) indicated that women aged 15–19 years (AOR = 0.14) and 20–24 years (AOR = 0.20) were significantly less likely to be HIV positive compared to older women (p < 0.001). Widowed and divorced women had higher odds of HIV positivity (70% and 20% greater, respectively) compared to never-married women. Conclusion: Higher HIV prevalence was observed among women aged 30–34 years and older, with widowed and divorced women showing markedly elevated risk. Tailored HIV prevention, care, and treatment interventions should target these high-risk subpopulations.