Who is Using the HIV Self-Test among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) and Transwomen in New York City?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: HIV self-testing (HST) is an important complement to existing testing approaches for young Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen. METHODS: In this formative research, we describe prevalence and perceptions of HST using qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 29) and baseline quantitative data (n = 302) from an HST intervention trial for young Black MSM and transwomen. RESULTS: In the qualitative analysis, participants preferred the privacy and flexibility of the HST but had concerns about its accuracy and being alone while testing. Quantitative results showed that 14% (44/302) had used an HST in their lifetime; of these, 64% (28/44) used it once and 23% (10/44) in the last 3 months. CONCLUSION: To increase consistent testing, HST may provide a new avenue for at-risk individuals that value privacy and control and could benefit from social support during testing.