Men's perceptions of HIV self-testing in Eswatini: a qualitative study.
AIDS Care
; 36(10): 1492-1498, 2024 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38766763
ABSTRACT
Men in Eswatini test for HIV at lower rates compared to women despite the widespread availability of HIV testing services in the country. HIV self-test kits have been proposed as an HIV testing model to reach more men by bypassing the health facility, which is known to be a barrier for men using HIV testing services. In this study, we sought to understand men's perspectives on HIV self-testing in Eswatini. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 men, recruited from a rural community and from an urban men's clinic, to assess their awareness of HIV self-testing and their perceptions of it as an alternative HIV testing option. Findings show that men were aware of HIV self-testing but had concerns that left most feeling hesitant about adopting it. Many men expressed doubts about the accuracy of self-testing and their own technical competence to use the kit without supervision. They also expressed fears about testing, and possibly learning they were HIV positive, without adequate pre - and post-HIV test counseling. To allay men's fears and improve uptake of HIV self-testing, practitioners might consider innovative methods such as virtual counseling services and linking HIV self-testing to other community-based HIV care services.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções por HIV
/
Pesquisa Qualitativa
/
Teste de HIV
/
Autoteste
Limite:
Adult
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
AIDS Care
Assunto da revista:
SINDROME DA IMUNODEFICIENCIA ADQUIRIDA (AIDS)
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos