Factors associated with HIV testing among youth aged 15–24 years in Myanmar: evidence from the 2015–16 demographic and health survey

IntroductionHIV testing is central to early diagnosis and HIV prevention, yet uptake among youth remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries. Our study examined HIV testing uptake and its associated factors among youth aged 15–24 years in Myanmar.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2015–16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS), restricting the sample to youth aged 15–24 years (N = 5,185). Survey-weighted descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with HIV testing, with results reported as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05, with analyses accounting for the complex sampling design.ResultsOverall, 10.9% of youth reported ever having been tested for HIV. In multivariable analyses, youth aged 20–24 years had higher odds of HIV testing than those aged 15–19 years (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.94, 3.39; p < 0.001), and males had higher odds than females (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.18; p < 0.001). Youth who had ever had sexual intercourse were substantially more likely to have been tested (AOR = 4.59; 95% CI: 3.54, 5.96; p < 0.001).ConclusionHIV testing uptake among youth in Myanmar remains low, with testing concentrated among older and sexually experienced youth. Strengthening youth-friendly HIV testing strategies that proactively reach adolescents and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth is critical to improving early diagnosis and advancing HIV prevention and youth sexual and reproductive health in Myanmar.