HIV self-testing in Pune, India: perspectives and recommendations of female sex workers and peer educators

AIDS Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanni M. Chang ◽  
Tejaswi Sevekari ◽  
Ann Duerr ◽  
Yamilé Molina ◽  
Trupti Gilada
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Peer Educators ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Self Testing

scholarly journals Zambian Peer Educators for HIV Self-Testing (ZEST) study: rationale and design of a cluster randomised trial of HIV self-testing among female sex workers in Zambia

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e014780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E Oldenburg ◽  
Katrina F Ortblad ◽  
Michael M Chanda ◽  
Kalasa Mwanda ◽  
Wendy Nicodemus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Peer Educators ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Self Testing

scholarly journals HIV testing and its associated factors among street-based female sex workers in Iran: results of a national rapid assessment and response survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Ahmadi ◽  
Mehrdad Khezri ◽  
Payam Roshanfekr ◽  
Salah Eddin Karimi ◽  
Meroe Vameghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Self Testing

Abstract Background Female sex workers (FSWs) are at a disproportionate risk of sexually transmitted infections and they may face significant barriers to HIV testing. This study aimed to examine HIV testing prevalence and its associated factors among street-based FSWs in Iran. Method A total of 898 FSWs were recruited from 414 venues across 19 major cities in Iran between October 2016 and March 2017. Eligible FSWs were women aged 18 years of age who had at least one commercial sexual intercourse in the previous year. HIV testing was defined as having tested for HIV in the lifetime. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the correlates of HIV testing. We report adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Result Overall, 57.8% (95%CI: 20.0, 88.0) of participants reported having tested for HIV, and HIV prevalence among FSWs who tested for HIV was 10.3% (95%CI: 7.5, 13.0). The multivariable model showed that unstable housing (aOR: 8.86, 95%CI: 2.68, 29.32) and drug use (aOR: 3.47, 95%CI: 1.33, 9.06) were associated with increased likelihood of HIV testing. However, FSWs with a higher level of income were less likely to be tested for HIV (aOR: 0.09, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.43). Conclusion Almost one in ten street-based FSWs had never tested for HIV. These findings suggest the need for evidence-based strategies such as outreach support and HIV self-testing to improve HIV testing in this marginalized population.

scholarly journals Strategi Peer Educator untuk Peningkatan Kesadaran Pekerja Seks Perempuan terhadap Kesehatan Reproduksi

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Lidya Febrina
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Peer Educators ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Peer Educator

This article presents the results of research on peer educator strategies to raise female sex workers' awareness of reproductive health. The objectives of this study were 1) to describe the strategies used by peer educators to build sex worker awareness of workers' reproductive health; 2) Identifying barriers to peer educators in providing education on reproductive health to female sex workers. To achieve the research objectives, the theory used is the Social Exchange Theory of George C, Homans and the research approach used is qualitative with descriptive research type. To obtain data, researchers used in-depth interviews and observation techniques. The results showe that the strategies used by peer educators in providing education about reproductive health were: coercion, giving advice, and persuasion. Meanwhile, the obstacles found by peer educators in providing education on reproductive health were: the imbalance of exchanges between peer educators and female sex workers and the distrust of female sex workers in peer educators.

scholarly journals The Effect of HIV Self-Testing Delivery Models on Female Sex Workers’ Sexual Behaviors: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Urban Uganda

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1225-1239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina F. Ortblad ◽  
Daniel Kibuuka Musoke ◽  
Thomson Ngabirano ◽  
Aidah Nakitende ◽  
Guy Harling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Delivery Models

scholarly journals Female sex workers perspectives and concerns regarding HIV self-testing: An exploratory study in Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soori Nnko ◽  
Daniel Nyato ◽  
Evodius Kuringe ◽  
Caterina Casalini ◽  
Amani Shao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: HIV testing is a gateway to HIV care and treatment for those testing positive and can link those with negative results to HIV preventive services. Despite the importance of HIV testing services (HTS) in HIV control, uptake of HTS among female sex workers (FSWs) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains sub optimal. Concerns about stigma associated with sex work and fear of loss of livelihood if HIV status becomes known, are some of the restrictions for FSWs to utilize HTS offered through health care facilities. Introduction of HIV self-testing (HIVST) may mitigate some of the barriers for the uptake of HTS. This study explored perspectives of FSWs towards HIVST in Tanzania. Methods: We conducted an exploratory study employing in-depth interviews (IDI) and participatory group discussions (PGD) with FSWs in selected regions of Tanzania. Study participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were thematically analysed by two analysts using NVivo software. Emerging themes were explored in the tradition of Grounded Theory. The analysis was informed by the social ecological model and focused on factors associated with the feasibility of scaling up HIVST. Results: A total of 23 PGD sessions were conducted involving 227 FSWs. Data from PGDs were complemented by 21 IDI. FSWs were enthusiastic toward HIVST. Convenience (time and cost saved), and belief that HIVST will increase privacy and confidentiality motivated participants’ support for the self-testing approach. Participants did express concerns about their ability to interpret and trust the results of the test. Participants also expressed concern that HIVST could cause personal harm, including severe distress and self-harm for individuals with reactive test. This was linked to the study participants’ perception that HIVST would be provided only through unassisted modality. Conclusions: FSWs demonstrated high enthusiasm to use the HIVST once it becomes available. Increased confidentiality, reduced opportunity costs, and increased autonomy were among the key factors for the intended use of HIVST. Major concerns included fear of HIV reactive test and not trusting self-diagnoses. Our findings underscore the importance of providing adequate access to counselling and referral services in conjunction with HIVST.

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a peer-led HIV self-testing model among female sex workers in Malawi: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e049248
Author(s):  
Moses K Kumwenda ◽  
Webster Mavhu ◽  
Wezzie S Lora ◽  
Richard Chilongosi ◽  
Simon Sikwese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Self Testing

ObjectivesHIV testing is the gateway to HIV prevention and care services. Female sex workers (FSW) may benefit from HIV self-testing (HIVST), which offers greater control and confidentiality than other approaches. However, FSW also have unique vulnerabilities, making it critical to understand their perspective of HIVST to best contextualise HIVST to their needs. This study explored feasibility and acceptability of providing oral fluid-based peer-led HIVST to FSW to inform tailored HIVST delivery approaches.DesignQualitative study.SettingMalawi.ParticipantsThirty-nine FSW who had obtained a HIVST kit and eight peer distributors.ResultsPeer distributors’ accounts suggested that peer-led HIVST is feasible. Overall, FSW spoke positively about peer-led HIVST and younger FSW preferred it to facility-based HIV testing. FSW highlighted both greater control of their testing experience and that HIVST could allow them to avoid discriminatory attitudes frequently experienced in public facilities. Some also felt that HIVST kits could enable them to establish the HIV status of their sexual partners, better informing their decisions about condomless sex. Despite overall acceptance of HIVST, a few expressed doubts in the procedure. Some FSW already aware of their HIV-positive status reported using HIVST. A few accounts suggested peer pressure to self-test predominantly from peer distributors.ConclusionsThis study enabled us to explore feasibility and acceptability of peer-led HIVST among FSW, as well as potential shortcomings of the HIV testing modality. Peer distributors are a welcome additional model. However, they should avoid distribution in actual venues. Programmes should ensure a range of testing options are available and expand peer’s representation. Study findings will be used to tailor the HIVST distribution model to ensure its enhanced uptake among key populations in general and FSW, specifically.

scholarly journals Female sex workers perspectives and concerns regarding HIV self-testing: An exploratory study in Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soori Nnko ◽  
Daniel Nyato ◽  
Evodius Kuringe ◽  
Caterina Casalini ◽  
Amani Shao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: HIV testing is a gateway to HIV care and treatment for those testing positive and can link those with negative results to HIV preventive services. Despite the importance of HIV testing services (HTS) in HIV control, uptake of HTS among female sex workers (FSWs) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains sub optimal. Concerns about stigma associated with sex work and fear of loss of livelihood if HIV status becomes known, are some of the restrictions for FSWs to utilize HTS offered through health care facilities. Introduction of HIV self-testing (HIVST) may mitigate some of the barriers for the uptake of HTS. This study explored perspectives of FSWs towards HIVST in Tanzania. Methods:We conducted an exploratory study employing in-depth interviews (IDI) and participatory group discussions (PGD) with FSWs in selected regions of Tanzania. Study participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were thematically analysed by two analysts using NVivo software. Emerging themes were explored in the tradition of Grounded Theory. The analysis was informed by the social ecological model and focused on factors associated with the feasibility of scaling up HIVST. Results:A total of 23 PGD sessions were conducted involving 227 FSWs. Data from PGDs were complemented by 21 IDI. FSWs were enthusiastic toward HIVST. Convenience (time and cost saved), and belief that HIVST will increase privacy and confidentiality motivated participants’ support for the self-testing approach. Participants did express concerns about their ability to interpret and trust the results of the test. Participants also expressed concern that HIVST could cause personal harm, including severe distress and self-harm for individuals with reactive test. This was linked to the study participants’ perception that HIVST would be provided only through unassisted modality. Conclusions: FSWs demonstrated high enthusiasm to use the HIVST once it becomes available. Increased confidentiality, reduced opportunity costs, and increased autonomy were among the key factors for the intended use of HIVST. Major concerns included fear of HIV reactive test and not trusting self-diagnoses. Our findings underscore the importance of providing adequate access to counselling and referral services in conjunction with HIVST.

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