European Science Methodical Journal

EMPLOYING HOLT’S LINEAR METHOD TO PREDICT HIV PREVALENCE AMONG INDIVIDUALS AGED 15-49 YEARS IN THE GAMBIA

Dr. Smartson. P. NYONI

ZICHIRe Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Thabani NYONI

Independent Researcher & Health Economist, Harare, Zimbabwe

Keywords: Exponential smoothing, Forecasting, HIV prevalence

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Abstract

This study uses annual time series data of HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15-49 years for the Gambia 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 0.4 respectively based on minimum MSE. The results of the study indicate that annual HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15-49 years will hover round 1.7% throughout the out of sample period. Therefore, we encourage authorities to strengthen HIV prevention, HIV diagnosis and treatment especially among key populations.