FORECASTING HIV PREVALENCE AMONG INDIVIDUALS AGED 15-49 YEARS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO USING HOLT’S LINEAR METHOD

Abstract

This study uses annual time series data of HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15-49 years for Trinidad and Tobago 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 0.7 and 0.4 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. Therefore, it is essential to channel resources towards HIV case detection especially among high-risk groups and also to improve ART treatment adherence for those living with HIV.