ANALYZING HIV PREVALENCE AMONG INDIVIDUALS AGED 15-49 YEARS IN LESOTHO USING HOLT’S LINEAR METHOD

Abstract

This study uses annual time series data of HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15-49 years for Lesotho from 1990 to 2020 to predict future trends of HIV prevalence over the period 2021 to 2030. The study utilizes Holt’s linear exponential smoothing model. The optimal values of smoothing constants α and β are 0.9 and 0.3 respectively based on minimum MSE. The results of the study indicate that annual HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15-49 years will continue to decline over the out of sample period but still remain high. Therefore, we encourage authorities to scale up HIV testing services, prevention and treatment among the 15–49-year age group. There is need to address main drivers of HIV spread in this age group.