Authors
Kidist Zealiyas, Yimam Getaneh, Terefe Gelibo, G/Medhin G/Michael, Sileshi Lulseged, Hailegnaw Eshete, Abebe Habteselassie, Getachew Tollera, Gemechu Tadesse, Minilik Demissie Amogne
Abstract
Objectives
Women remain disproportionately affected by HIV in Ethiopia and worldwide due to biological, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. This study describes HIV prevalence and associated determinants among women in urban Ethiopia.
Methods
Data were drawn from the Ethiopian Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (EPHIA), a cross-sectional household survey conducted between October 2017 and April 2018. A two-stage cluster sampling approach was used to select households. Of 12,158 eligible women aged 15-64 years, 11,599 were included in the analysis. HIV testing followed the national algorithm. Associations were assessed using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
The overall HIV prevalence among urban women was 4.1%. The highest prevalence was observed in Gambella (8.0%), Harari (7.6%), and Dire Dawa (5.7%). Women aged 35-44 years (9.1%), widowed (15.1%), with no education (6.2%), or reporting multiple sexual partners (11.2%) had elevated prevalence. Adjusted analyses showed significantly higher odds of HIV among women aged 35-44 years (AOR 7.2; 95% CI: 3.9-13.5), those with no education (AOR 4.7; 95% CI: 2.2-10.2), widows (AOR 3.4; 95% CI: 1.6-7.0), and those who underwent genital cutting (AOR 3.4; 95% CI: 2.0-5.8).
Conclusion
HIV remains a major public health challenge among urban Ethiopian women. Targeted interventions should prioritize older women, widows, and those with limited education to reduce disparities and advance national HIV control efforts.
