Trends in HIV and AIDS prevalence in Botswana: results from Botswana AIDS Impact Survey 2013 (BAIS IV)

Abstract

This paper used the results of the three Botswana AIDS Impact Studies (2004, 2008 and 2013) to illustrate the rural-urban and age patterns in HIV and AIDS prevalence in Botswana. The results show higher HIV prevalence in the rural (23.7%) than urban (18.5%) areas and very strong correlation (r = 0.99) in the rural-urban attitudes to HIV testing, circumcision and general attitude towards people living with HIV and AIDS. Furthermore, the results show that there has been a downward trend in HIV prevalence from the 2004 BAIS II, 2008 BAIS III and 2013 BAIS IV for Gaborone, Orapa, Jwaneng and Sowa districts and consistent upward trend in Borolong, Central Mahalapye, Kgalagadi North, Central Boteti, Kweneng East and Kgatleng districts. The effect of HIV and AIDS-related deaths and new infections was more prevalent between 2013 BAIS IV and 2004 BAIS II periods and least between 2008 BAIS III and 2004 BAIS II. The effect among locations is also highest (0.64) between 2013 and 2004, and lowest between 2013 and 2008 BAIS periods. Attitude of the population towards people living with HIV and AIDS is positive. The paper advocates for intensified interventions in the younger age groups as consistent reduction in HIV prevalence in these younger age groups would mean an overall reduction in prevalence over the years.