scholarly journals Antihepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Antibodies among Pregnant Women in an Urban Area of Mwanza City, Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elieza Chibwe ◽  
Vitus Silago ◽  
Edwin Kajoro ◽  
Muhsin Juma ◽  
Emmanuel Mkumbo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hbv Vaccination ◽  
Mwanza City ◽  
Hepatitis C Viruses

Background. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses (HBV and HCV) are life-threatening infections of public health importance due to their association with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite HBV being moderately endemic in many low-income countries, there is no routine HBV vaccination among child bearing aged women making them at risk of transmitting infections to the foetus during pregnancy. This study investigated the seroprevalence of antihepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) and HCV antibodies among pregnant women in Mwanza city to provide data that can be used in devising preventive strategies. Methods. A cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 339 pregnant women was conducted between June and July 2017. Data were collected using structured data collection tool. Detection of anti-HBs was performed using enzyme immunoassay while qualitative rapid immunochromatographic tests were employed to detect HCV antibodies. Data was analyzed by using STATA version 13. Results. The mean age of the study participants was 25.6±5.8 years. The prevalence of anti-HBs was 85/339 (25.1%, 95% CI: 20.4-29.6) while that of HCV antibodies was 1/333 (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4). By univariate logistic regression analysis, increase in age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09, P=0.03), unknown HIV status (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11-0.79, P=0.035), and multigravidity (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.18-3.8, P=0.038) were significantly associated with anti-HBs seropositivity. Conclusion. A significant proportion of pregnant women have anti-HBs while the seroprevalence of HCV is low among pregnant women in the city of Mwanza. Routine screening of HBV among pregnant women coupled with appropriate management should be emphasized in developing countries. Further studies to determine seroprevalence of HCV are recommended across the country.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Acceptance of Labour Analgesia in Pregnant Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Sharma ◽  
Saurya Dhungel ◽  
Sujata Niroula ◽  
Manan Karki
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
College Teaching ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Acceptance Rate ◽  
Labour Analgesia ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Labour analgesia, though practiced worldwide, is not very popular in low-income countries. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness, attitude, acceptance, and reasons for hindrance of labour analgesia among patients visiting a tertiary care center in the capital cityMethods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient department of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital in the month of August 2017. All pregnant patients presenting for antenatal checkup was included. Data was collected based on a questionnaire after informed consent. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS version 20 and results were expressed in frequencies and percentage.Results: Total of 270 pregnant women participated in the study. Out of these forty-four (16.3%) patients were aware about labour analgesia. The acceptance rate was high (72.2%). Majority (84.6%) had no problem with expenditure associated with labour analgesia.Conclusions: Despite low awareness about painless delivery among the antenatal women, the acceptance rate is high.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Anaemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic, Eswatini

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rumbidzai Dodzo ◽  
Ropo Ebenezer Ogunsakin ◽  
Themba G. Ginindza
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Anaemia In Pregnancy ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Anaemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency diseases observed globally and it affects about a third of the world’s population. Anaemia in pregnant women is a worldwide public health concern that has severe consequences for both mothers and infants, including maternal death and foetal and infant mortality. In Low-income countries (LICs), 25% of indirect maternal mortality and 30% of neonatal deaths are due to anaemia in pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and assess associated factors among pregnant women attending ante-natal care (ANC) clinic in the Kingdom of Eswatini, which might help for screening, prevention and treatment of anaemia and ultimately prevent its adverse effects. Method: A total of 550 pregnant women between 15 and 49 years from three health facilities were randomly enrolled using a cross-sectional study design, from January to March 2021. Non-probability sampling approach was used to select the appropriate study unit. A face-toface interview was done using a structured questionnaire to collect data. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the factors associated with anaemia among the women.Results: The overall anaemia prevalence among pregnant women was 43.1% (95% CI: 38.947.3). The mild, moderate and severe cases of anaemia were 21.3% (95%CI: 17.9-24.9); 21.1% (95%CI: 17.8-24.7) and 0.7% (95%CI: 0.2-1.9), respectively. The prevalence of anaemia was high among women aged 20-24 (11.1%, 95%CI: 8.6-14.0) and 25-29years (11.1%, 95%CI: 8.6-14.0). Factors associated with anaemia included living in the urban area (OR=1.8, 95%CI: 1.19-2.72, p=0.005) and having anaemia 6 months before pregnancy (OR=4.64, 95%CI: 1.1518.71, p=0.031). Additionally, gestational age at first ANC also was positively associated with anaemia: 3rd trimester (OR=10.42, 95%CI: 4.27-25.4, p<0.001) and 2nd trimester (OR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.60, p=0.043) Conclusion: Anaemia remains prevalent among pregnant women in Eswatini. Thus, a comprehensive anaemia prevention program would be justified and could lower the country’s burden of anemia.

scholarly journals Changes in perceived knowledge about childbirth among pregnant women participating in the Senses of Birth Intervention in Brazil: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luísa M M Fernandes ◽  
Sônia Lansky ◽  
Bernardo J Oliveira ◽  
Amélia A L Friche ◽  
Christine T. Bozlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Normal Birth ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention in Brazil that addresses reproductive rights, the benefits and risks of normal birth and cesarean, and use of evidence-based practices (EBP) during labor and childbirth, aiming to reduce unnecessary cesareans in the country. This study evaluates the impact of the SoB intervention on pregnant women’s perceived knowledge about normal birth, cesarean, and use of EBP in childbirth. Method: 1,287 pregnant women answered a structured questionnaire, immediately after their visit to the exhibition, between March 2015 and March 2016, in four cities. To identify the impact of the intervention on women’s perceived knowledge and possible association with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, statistical analyses were performed including paired T-tests, ANOVA, and logistic and linear regressions. Results: The mean score (MS) of perceived knowledge after the intervention was higher than the mean score before experiencing the SoB for all three knowledge domains: Normal Birth (MS Before= 3.71 x MS After= 4.49), Cesarean (MS Before= 3.54 x MS After= 4.26) and EBPs (MS Before= 3.14 x MS After= 4.14). The results suggest that SoB intervention was more effective for low income women (B = 0.206; p < 0.001 for EBP), women without private health insurance (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.49- 4.09 for normal birth), women with private prenatal care (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.59- 3.66 for normal birth), women experiencing their first pregnancy (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31-2.82 for EBP; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for normal birth; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for cesarean), and women in their first or second trimester at the time of the intervention (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39 for EBP; OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97 for normal birth; OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41 for cesarean). Conclusion: The study showed opportunities to increase knowledge among Brazilian pregnant women for the three knowledge domains, and a need to focus the discussion on how to achieve a positive experience of birth using EBP. The intervention gains relevance considering the lack of evidence of the efficacy of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary cesareans in middle and low-income countries targeting women.

scholarly journals Changes in perceived knowledge about childbirth among pregnant women participating in the Senses of Birth Intervention in Brazil: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luísa M M Fernandes ◽  
Sônia Lansky ◽  
Bernardo J Oliveira ◽  
Amélia A L Friche ◽  
Christine T. Bozlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Normal Birth ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention in Brazil that addresses reproductive rights, the benefits and risks of normal birth and cesarean, and use of evidence-based practices (EBP) during labor and childbirth, aiming to reduce unnecessary cesareans in the country. This study evaluates the impact of the SoB intervention on pregnant women’s perceived knowledge about normal birth, cesarean, and use of EBP in childbirth. Method: 1,287 pregnant women answered a structured questionnaire, immediately after their visit to the exhibition, between March 2015 and March 2016, in four cities. To identify the impact of the intervention on women’s perceived knowledge and possible association with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, statistical analyses were performed including paired T-tests, ANOVA, and logistic and linear regressions. Results: The mean score (MS) of perceived knowledge after the intervention was higher than the mean score before experiencing the SoB for all three knowledge domains: Normal Birth (MS Before= 3.71 x MS After= 4.49), Cesarean (MS Before= 3.54 x MS After= 4.26) and EBPs (MS Before= 3.14 x MS After= 4.14). The results suggest that SoB intervention was more effective for low income women (B = 0.206; p < 0.001 for EBP), women without private health insurance (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.49- 4.09 for normal birth), women with private prenatal care (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.59- 3.66 for normal birth), women experiencing their first pregnancy (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31-2.82 for EBP; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for normal birth; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for cesarean), and women in their first or second trimester at the time of the intervention (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39 for EBP; OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97 for normal birth; OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41 for cesarean). Conclusion: The study showed opportunities to increase knowledge among Brazilian pregnant women for the three knowledge domains, and a need to focus the discussion on how to achieve a positive experience of birth using EBP. The intervention gains relevance considering the lack of evidence of the efficacy of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary cesareans in middle and low-income countries targeting women.

scholarly journals Changes in perceived knowledge about childbirth among pregnant women participating in the Senses of Birth Intervention in Brazil: A cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luísa M M Fernandes ◽  
Sônia Lansky ◽  
Bernardo J Oliveira ◽  
Amélia A L Friche ◽  
Christine T. Bozlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Normal Birth ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention in Brazil that addresses reproductive rights, the benefits and risks of normal birth and cesarean, and use of evidence-based practices (EBP) during labor and childbirth, aiming to reduce unnecessary cesareans in the country. This study evaluates the impact of the SoB intervention on pregnant women’s perceived knowledge about normal birth, cesarean, and use of EBP in childbirth. Method: 1,287 pregnant women answered a structured questionnaire, immediately after their visit to the exhibition, between March 2015 and March 2016, in four cities. To identify the impact of the intervention on women’s perceived knowledge and possible association with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, statistical analyses were performed including paired T-tests, ANOVA, and logistic and linear regressions. Results: The mean score (MS) of perceived knowledge after the intervention was higher than the mean score before experiencing the SoB for all three knowledge domains: Normal Birth (MS Before= 3.71 x MS After= 4.49), Cesarean (MS Before= 3.54 x MS After= 4.26) and EBPs (MS Before= 3.14 x MS After= 4.14). The results suggest that SoB intervention was more effective for low income women (B = 0.206; p < 0.001 for EBP), women without private health insurance (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.49- 4.09 for normal birth), women with private prenatal care (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.59- 3.66 for normal birth), women experiencing their first pregnancy (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31-2.82 for EBP; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for normal birth; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for cesarean), and women in their first or second trimester at the time of the intervention (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39 for EBP; OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97 for normal birth; OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41 for cesarean). Conclusion: The study showed opportunities to increase knowledge among Brazilian pregnant women for the three knowledge domains, and a need to focus the discussion on how to achieve a positive experience of birth using EBP. The intervention gains relevance considering the lack of evidence of the efficacy of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary cesareans in middle and low-income countries targeting women.

scholarly journals Predictors of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Seropositivity and Cranial Ultrasound Patterns among Children with Hydrocephalus

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Sofia Ottaru ◽  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Rogatus Kabyemera ◽  
Benson R. Kidenya ◽  
Mwanaisha Seugendo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Birth Order ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cranial Ultrasound ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background. Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy is associated with serious neonatal complications, including hydrocephalus. In many high-income countries, T. gondii screening and treatment during the antenatal period are routinely carried out to prevent associated complications, whereas in most low-income countries, there is no routine screening of T. gondii during pregnancy. Despite the parasite being common in Tanzania, there is a paucity of information on the prevalence of T. gondii and cranial ultrasound patterns among children with hydrocephalus. Methods. An analytical cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 125 infants with hydrocephalus attending the Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) was conducted between May 2017 and February 2018. Sociodemographic and other relevant information was collected using a pretested data collection tool. Venous blood samples were collected, and sera were used for the detection of specific T. gondii antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as per manufacturer’s instructions. Data were analysed using STATA version 13 software. Results. The mean age of enrolled children was 4.8±3.5 months. Out of 125 infants with hydrocephalus, 29 (23.2%, 95% CI: 21-36) were seropositive for T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. By multiple generalized linear model analysis, being male (aRR=1.1, 95% CI: 0.9–1.5, p=0.049), higher birth order (aRR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5, p=0.023), consumption of fish meat (aRR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3, p=0.003), and using other methods of cooking meat than boiling (aRR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5, p=0.015) were independent risk factors for T. gondii IgG seropositivity. Obstructive hydrocephalus was significantly more common among T. gondii-seronegative infants compared to IgG-seropositive infants (31.3% [30/96] vs. 13.8% [4/29]; p=0.049). Conclusions. A significant proportion of infants with nonobstructive hydrocephalus are T. gondii IgG seropositive, and this is predicted by male gender, increase of birth order, consuming fish, and using other methods of cooking meat than boiling. These facts highlight the importance of continuing health education for pregnant women regarding T. gondii transmission and the need to follow-up their infants so that appropriate counselling and management can be provided.

scholarly journals Group B Streptococci Colonization in Pregnant Guatemalan Women: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Vaginal Microbiome

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie Rick ◽  
Angie Aguilar ◽  
Rosita Cortes ◽  
Remei Gordillo ◽  
Mario Melgar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Vaginal Microbiome ◽  
Group B Streptococci ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background Infection causes 1 of every 5 neonatal deaths globally. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most significant pathogen, although little is known about its epidemiology and risk in low-income countries. Methods A cross-sectional study in 2015 at a public hospital in Guatemala City enrolled women ≥35 weeks’ gestation. Vaginal and rectal swabs were processed using Lim broth and GBS CHROMagar then agglutination testing. Risk factors were assessed using multivariate analysis. Vaginal microbiota were profiled by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing in a subset of 94 women. Results Of 896 pregnant women, 155 (17.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.9–19.9) were GBS colonized. Colonization was associated with history of previous infant with poor outcome (odds ratio [OR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.15–3.27) and increasing maternal age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09). Multiparity was protective (OR, .39; 95% CI, .21–.72). Four (6%) GBS-exposed infants had early-onset neonatal sepsis. Vaginal microbiome composition was associated with previous antibiotic exposure (P = .003) and previous low birth weight infant (P = .03), but not GBS colonization (P = .72). Several individual taxa differed in abundance between colonized and noncolonized women. Conclusions Group B Streptococcus is prevalent in pregnant women from Guatemala with different risk factors than previously described. Although the vaginal microbiome was not altered significantly in GBS-colonized women, use of antibiotics had an effect on its composition.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Acceptance of Labour Analgesia in Pregnant Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Sharma ◽  
Saurya Dhungel ◽  
Sujata Niroula ◽  
Manan Karki
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
College Teaching ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Acceptance Rate ◽  
Labour Analgesia ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Labour analgesia, though practiced worldwide, is not very popular in low-income countries. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness, attitude, acceptance, and reasons for hindrance of labour analgesia among patients visiting a tertiary care center in the capital cityMethods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient department of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital in the month of August 2017. All pregnant patients presenting for antenatal checkup was included. Data was collected based on a questionnaire after informed consent. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS version 20 and results were expressed in frequencies and percentage.Results: Total of 270 pregnant women participated in the study. Out of these forty-four (16.3%) patients were aware about labour analgesia. The acceptance rate was high (72.2%). Majority (84.6%) had no problem with expenditure associated with labour analgesia.Conclusions: Despite low awareness about painless delivery among the antenatal women, the acceptance rate is high. Keywords: Acceptance; Awareness; Labour analgesia.

scholarly journals Changes in perceived knowledge about childbirth among pregnant women participating in the Senses of Birth Intervention in Brazil: A cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luísa M M Fernandes ◽  
Sônia Lansky ◽  
Bernardo J Oliveira ◽  
Amélia A L Friche ◽  
Christine T. Bozlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Normal Birth ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Senses of Birth (SoB) is a health education intervention in Brazil that addresses reproductive rights, the benefits and risks of normal birth and cesarean, and use of evidence-based practices (EBP) during labor and childbirth, aiming to reduce unnecessary cesareans in the country. This study evaluates the impact of the SoB intervention on pregnant women’s perceived knowledge about normal birth, cesarean, and use of EBP in childbirth. Method 1,287 pregnant women answered a structured questionnaire, immediately after their visit to the exhibition, between March 2015 and March 2016, in four cities. To identify the impact of the intervention on women’s perceived knowledge and possible association with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, statistical analyses were performed including paired T-tests, ANOVA, and logistic and linear regressions. Results The mean score (MS) of perceived knowledge after the intervention was higher than the mean score before experiencing the SoB for all three knowledge domains: Normal Birth (MS Before= 3.71 x MS After= 4.49), Cesarean (MS Before= 3.54 x MS After= 4.26) and EBPs (MS Before= 3.14 x MS After= 4.14). The results suggest that SoB intervention was more effective for low income women (B = 0.206; p < 0.001 for EBP), women without private health insurance (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.49- 4.09 for normal birth), women with private prenatal care (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.59- 3.66 for normal birth), women experiencing their first pregnancy (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.31-2.82 for EBP; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for normal birth; OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.84 for cesarean), and women in their first or second trimester at the time of the intervention (OR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39 for EBP; OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97 for normal birth; OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41 for cesarean). Conclusion The study showed opportunities to increase knowledge among Brazilian pregnant women for the three knowledge domains, and a need to focus the discussion on how to achieve a positive experience of birth using EBP. The intervention gains relevance considering the lack of evidence of the efficacy of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary cesareans in middle and low-income countries targeting women.

scholarly journals A Lay-User Assessment of Hepatitis C Virus Self-Testing Device Usability and Interpretation in Johannesburg, South Africa

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 463
Author(s):  
Mohammed Majam ◽  
Alex Fischer ◽  
Elena Ivanova Reipold ◽  
Naleni Rhagnath ◽  
Vanessa Msolomba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
First Response ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Instructions For Use

Only 20% of people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) know their status. In low-income countries diagnosis is under 10%. Self-testing for HCV antibodies (HCVST) could expand the coverage of HCV testing services. Currently, there are no stringent regulatory authority (SRA) approved HCVSTs, therefore lay-user usability of three prototype kits was assessed. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted with 171 (CareStart n = 60, Bioline n = 52, First Response n = 59) participants. Participants were given one of the three HCVST kits with only instructions for use (IFU) and asked to perform the test in front of a professional trained in rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). Usability indices were calculated based on the correctness of performing each step of the product-specific process followed by contrived results interpretation and a post-test interview. The usability index was 93.9% for CareStart, 90.7% for Bioline and 94.9% for First Response. Most errors were on incorrect handwashing, sample collection and transfer to the test device. An average of 93.1% of contrived results were correctly interpreted, with most errors related to interpreting invalid results. Most participants (n = 167) stated they would visit a clinic after a positive result. With negative results, nearly half (28/60 (46.7%)) stated they should condomize, while just over two-thirds of participants that used Bioline (35/52 (67.3%)) and First Response (38/59 (64.4%)) said they should re-test. Most participants (n = 162) found the devices easy to use. Participants liked that self-testing was fast, private and convenient, however there were some confusion with IFU steps and pictures, finger-pricking with the lancet, collecting blood after the finger-prick, and transferring the sample/buffer. Prototype HCVST kits exhibit high usability and result interpretation by lay-users, and should be considered for SRA approval.

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