A cross-national analysis of factors associated with HIV/AIDS infection in sub-Saharan Africa

Monica A. Magadi, City University London
Muluye Desta, City University London

This study is based on secondary analysis of recent data from the international DHS programme from 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV/AIDS test data are available. The specific objectives are to: (i) determine socio-economic and demographic risk factors of HIV/AIDS infection among males and females; (ii) explore the role of proximate factors, relating to HIV/AIDS awareness, stigma/prejudice and sexual behaviour; and (iii) examine national and sub-national variations in HIV infection and risk factors. The linkage of DHS HIV test results to the full DHS survey record provides a unique opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection. The analysis is based on multilevel modelling, and places particular emphasis on national and sub-national variations in factors associated with HIV/AIDS. We further highlight regional inequalities in HIV infection by mapping the residual spatial effects using geo-additive models, via Bayesian approach.