Mobility and HIV Prevalence in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey, 2022-2023 Open Access

Nash, Matthew (Spring 2026)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/8p58pf835?locale=en
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Abstract

Mobility is an established risk factor for HIV in sub-Sarahan Africa. However, research on mobility is inconsistent due to different definitions and conflict results. Tanzania is facing an ongoing generalized HIV epidemic with about 4.4% of the population living with HIV. With economic transitions driving internal migration, studies that examine multiple dimensions of mobility in a nationally representative survey can help steer HIV prevention efforts

We analyzed data from the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey administered in 2022-2023. 33,663 adults completed the individual survey and blood draw. Binary HIV status confirmed by rapid test and laboratory testing was the outcome. We examined length of time at current residence (always lived here, 0-5, 5-10, 10+ years), past year absence from residence for one month or more (yes/no), and place of work (same/different community). Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models incorporating survey weights were used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals while adjusting for age, sex, highest level of education, marital status, and socioeconomic status.

Length of residence was not significantly associated with HIV prevalence after adjustment. However, those residing at their current residence for 10+ years showered a borderline crude prevalence ratio compared to those who had always lived at their residence (PR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.35). Past year absence from residence for one month or more was not significantly associated with HIV prevalence in crude or adjusted analyses. Working in a different community versus same community was not significantly associated with HIV prevalence in crude or adjusted analyses.

Mobility was not a driver in HIV prevalence in Tanzania across our three dimensions of movement. Public health interventions should prioritize socioeconomic factors and specific contexts of movement when considering HIV prevention efforts. Future research should incorporate sex stratification and reasons of travel.

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