HIV testing outcomes by nationality at VCT sites in Poland during the first three years of armed conflict in Ukraine

Following the onset of war in Ukraine in February 2022, there has been a significant increase in population migration to Poland, particularly from Ukraine. This situation may have influenced the demographic structure of individuals utilizing Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) points. The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics and testing outcomes of individuals undergoing HIV testing at VCTs, considering nationality, age, and gender, during the first three years of the armed conflict in Ukraine (2022–2024). A descriptive analysis was performed, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the risk of HIV infection, with particular emphasis on comparisons between Polish and Ukrainian participants. A total of 109,526 people were tested for HIV, including Polish citizens and foreigners, with Ukrainians constituting the largest group among non-Polish participants. Reactive results were obtained in 1.7% of screening tests, of which 1.3% infections were confirmed. Among all confirmed HIV-positive cases, 16.9% occurred in individuals declaring Ukrainian citizenship. In this group, the proportion of positive test results was higher than in the Polish population for both women and men, with the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.001). To conclude, the increased number of HIV cases detected in 2022–2024 highlights the need for sustained and targeted HIV testing strategies, particularly among populations affected by recent migration and potential barriers to healthcare access in Poland.