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Article History

Received: 2 March 2025

Accepted: 26 November 2025

First Online: 24 January 2026

Decleration

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: In December 2014, the Ethics and Review Board of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Arsi granted approval for the study under reference number CoHS/R/0072014. This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All procedures involving CIHTC and PITC services among study participants were approved by the Ethics and Review Board of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Arsi. Additionally, written informed consent was obtained from each participant.

: Welcome to the CIHTC/PITC service, and you are invited to participate in a research study led by Abebe Ferede from the University of Arsi, College of Health Science. Before deciding whether to participate, please review the following information carefully. The goal of this study is to analyse trends in HIV incidence over the past decade among various socio-demographic groups in Ethiopia. Additionally, the study will explore health behaviours related to HIV transmission and prevention. The results will enhance HIV prevention strategies and healthcare interventions. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete an anonymous survey providing information about your socio-demographic background and health behaviours and provide a blood sample for HIV testing. Participate in a one-time interview or questionnaire, which will take about 15 minutes. Your responses will be kept confidential and will be used solely for research purposes. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may refuse to participate or withdraw at any time without facing any consequences. Risks: Some of the questions may be sensitive and could lead to discomfort. If you find any questions troubling, you have the option to skip them or withdraw from the study. Benefits: While you may not gain direct benefits from your participation, your involvement will help enhance the understanding of HIV trends in Ethiopia, potentially informing public health policies and HIV prevention programs. Confidentiality: Your answers will be anonymous and treated with strict confidentiality. No personally identifiable information will be collected or shared. Data will be securely stored and used exclusively for research purposes. Any published findings will ensure that participant identities remain anonymous. Participation in this study is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without any negative impact on your access to healthcare services. If you have concerns about your rights as a participant, you may contact University of Arsi, college of Health science’s Ethics and Review Board Contact Information. +251910420231

: In HIV testing services, consent should always be obtained verbally in a private setting, either from the individual or the couple. For children under 15 years of age, consent must be given verbally by a parent or legal guardian. However, mature minors (aged 13–15) who are married, pregnant, engaged in commercial sex work, living on the streets, acting as heads of households, or sexually active may provide verbal consent on their own.By signing below, you confirm that: You have heard and understood the study information. You voluntarily agree to participate. You understand that you can withdraw at any time without any consequences

: The authors declare no competing interests.