scholarly journals Acceptability of HIV oral self-test among truck drivers and youths: a qualitative investigation from Pune, Maharashtra

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Rao ◽  
Sandip Patil ◽  
Pranali Pramod Kulkarni ◽  
Aheibam Sharmila Devi ◽  
Suryakant Shahu Borade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Men ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Self Test ◽  
National Programs ◽  
Test Use

Abstract Background Ending AIDS by 2030 is a global target, to which India is a signatory. HIV-self-test (HIVST) coupled with counselling and AIDS-care, including antiretroviral therapy, has the potential to achieve this. However, national programs are at varying stages of acceptance of HIVST, as discussions around its introduction spark controversy and debates. HIV-self-test, as yet, is not part of the AIDS control program in India. Against this backdrop, we explored acceptability of an HIV oral self-test (HIVOST) among truckers and young men and women. Methods A qualitative investigation with 41 in-depth-interviews and 15 group discussions were conducted in the district of Pune, in the western state of Maharashtra, India. These interactions were built around a prototype HIVOST kit, helped in taking the discussions forward. The software N-vivo (version 11.0) was used to manage the volumes of data generated through the aforementioned process. The study was conducted during June through December, 2019. Results While the truckers belonged to the age bracket 21–67 year, the youths were in the age group 18–24 year. ‘Ease of doing HIVOST’ and ‘fear of needle pricks’ were the reasons behind acceptance around HIVOST by both the study groups. Truckers felt that HIVOST would encourage one to know one’s HIV status and seek help as appropriate. Accuracy of HIVOST result and disposal of the kits following use were concerns of a few. Most of the participants preferred saliva over blood as the specimen of choice. Instructions in local language reportedly would enable test-use by self. The truck drivers preferred undertaking HIVOST at the truckers-friendly ‘Khushi clinics’ or in the vehicle, while youths preferred the privacy of home. Some of the young men mis-perceived the utility of HIVOST by referring to doing a test on a partner immediately prior to sexual encounter. On the other hand, a few truckers had wrong information on HIV cure. Conclusions Overall, the study communities expressed their acceptance towards HIV-self-test. The National AIDS Control Program, India would benefit by drawing upon the findings of the current investigation. Existing myths and misconceptions around HIV test and treatment require program attention.

scholarly journals Acceptability of HIV Oral Self-test Among Truck Drivers and Youths: A Qualitative Investigation From Pune, Maharashtra

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Rao ◽  
Sandip Patil ◽  
Pranali Pramod Kulkarni ◽  
Aheibam Sharmila Devi ◽  
Suryakant Shahu Borade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Test Use

Abstract INTRODUCTIONEnding AIDS by 2030 is a global target, to which India is a signatory. HIV self-test (HIVST) coupled with counselling and AIDS-care, including antiretroviral therapy, has the potential to achieve this. However, countries are at varying stages of acceptance of HIVST as discussions around introducing it in national program sparks controversy and debates. HIV self-test, as yet, is not part of the AIDS control program in India. Against this backdrop, we explored acceptability of an HIV oral self-test (HIVOST) among truckers and young men and women.METHODSA qualitative investigation with 41 in-depth-interviews and 15 group discussions was conducted among study participants in the district of Pune, in the western state of Maharashtra, India. These interactions were built around a prototype HIVOST kit, which was placed before the study participants to help taking the discussions forward. The software N-vivo (version 11.0) was used to manage the volumes of data generated through the aforementioned process. The study period spanned from June through December, 2019.RESULTSWhile the truckers belonged to the age bracket 21-67 year, the youths were in the age group 18-24 year. ‘Ease of doing HIVOST' and ‘fear of needle pricks’ were the reasons for expressing acceptance around HIVOST by both the study groups. Truckers felt that HIVOST would encourage one to know one’s HIV status and seek help as appropriate. Accuracy of HIVOST result and disposal of the kits following use were concerns of a few. Most of the participants preferred saliva over blood as the specimen of choice. Instructions in local language reportedly would enable test-use by self. The truck drivers preferred undertaking HIVOST at the truckers-friendly 'Khushi clinics’ or in the vehicle, while youths preferred the privacy of home. Some of the young men mis-perceived the utility of HIVOST by referring to doing a test on a partner immediately prior to sexual encounter. Some of the truckers had myths and misconceptions about routes of HIV transmission and treatment. CONCLUSIONSOverall, the study communities expressed their acceptance towards HIVST approach. The National AIDS Control Program, India could draw upon the findings of the current study.

Feasibility of Indirect Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Test Kits via WeChat Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Shangcao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Tianyi Lu ◽  
Yangyang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Distribution ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The use of HIV self-test (HST) kits is commonplace in key sexually active populations. The direct secondary distribution of HST kits (DSDHK) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV self-testing. However, there are concerns about various limitations of DSDHK, including limited geographic location, payment problems, and face-to-face interaction. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the feasibility and characteristics of the indirect secondary distribution of HST kits (ISDHK) via WeChat (distributing HST application links and follow-up HST kits to partners) among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS From October 2017 to September 2019, an HIV self-testing (HIVST) recruitment advertisement was disseminated on the WeChat social media platform to invite MSM to apply for HST kits (referred to as “index participants” [Ips]). All of the MSM participants were encouraged to distribute the HST application link to their friends and sexual partners (referred to as “Alters”) through their social networks. All Alters were further encouraged to continue to distribute the HST application link. All participants paid a deposit (USD 7), refundable upon completion of the questionnaire and uploading of the test result via an online survey system. RESULTS 2,263 MSM met the criteria and successfully applied for HST. Of these, 1,816 participants returned their HST test results, including 1,422 (88.3%) IPs and 394 (21.7%) Alters. Compared with the IPs, the Alters practiced more condomless anal intercourse (CAI), a higher proportion of them never previously had an HIV test, and they had a greater willingness to distribute HST kits to sexual partners (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, education, and income, the Alters had a greater proportion of MSM who had never tested for HIV before (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.68), were more willing to distribute the HST application link (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.21–2.40), had a lower number of sexual partners (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.90), and were less likely to search for sexual partners via online means (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.02). In comparison, the rates of reactive HST results, conducting HIV confirmatory tests, HIV seropositivity, and initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) were similar for IPs and Alters. CONCLUSIONS The ISDHK mode of distributing HST application links via social media is feasible among the MSM population. The ISDHK mode should be used to supplement the DSDHK mode in order to enable a greater proportion of the MSM population to know their HIV infection status.

Love Affairs, Dating and Sexual Behaviour among Unmarried Youth: A Qualitative Investigation Carried Out Immediately Prior to The Covid-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 26-45
Author(s):  
Malith Kumarasinghe ◽  
W. Indralal De Silva ◽  
W. S. M. Goonatilaka
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Healthy Relationships ◽  
Youth Groups ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Key Issues

Initiation and continuation of healthy relationships among youth critical for the long-term wellbeing of the youth. Present socio-cultural environment presents numerous pitfalls which inhibit such relationships. Aim of this qualitative investigation was to describe the current status, trends and patterns of love affairs, dating and sexual behaviour among unmarried youth in Sri Lanka. Case studies, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were selected as methods of data collection. Thematic analysis was used. Four themes were generated, namely initiation of love affairs; dating and sexual behaviour, preferences, pattern and places; phycological, physical and sexual issues and violence related to love affairs and dating behaviour; assistance and advice on issues, problems in love affairs, dating and sexual behaviour. One of the key issues identified was lack of reliable person to seek advice for issues related to love affairs, dating and sexual behaviour among youth. Unmarried youth should be desensitized of the norms that inhibit the communication of love affairs, dating, sexuality and reproduction. Furthermore, a mechanism to identify high risk youth groups: those who have multiple love affairs, youth with inadequate knowledge of STIs, youth with casual sex, victims of sexual harassment need be designed and implemented

scholarly journals Feeling Under Pressure: Perspectives of the Meaning of Love and Sexual Relationships Amongst Young Men in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 155798831983663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thabang Manyaapelo ◽  
Sibusiso Sifunda ◽  
Robert A.C. Ruiter ◽  
Anam Nyembezi ◽  
Bart van den Borne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Prevention Interventions

This study aimed to explore perspectives on the meaning of love and sexual relations amongst young men in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Gaining insights into these perspectives will help to understand the sexual behaviors of these young men better and to eventually develop more effective HIV prevention interventions. Focus group discussions were conducted in two study areas using a predetermined semistructured discussion guide. The findings indicate that the phenomenon of romantic relationship try-outs together with the idea of “feeling under pressure” to propose love to more than one woman seem to be accepted practices that often lead to multiple concurrent sexual partners and therefore potentially risky sexual behaviors. The fear of impregnating a woman is seen to be of a more significant concern than acquiring a sexually transmitted infection due to the stigma and embarrassment associated with pregnancy outside marriage. Given these findings, it is recommended that future studies investigate perspectives on sexuality and reproductive health in male populations in great detail prior to the development of behavioral change interventions because failure to do so may hamper well-intended but poorly targeted health interventions.

Training Correctional Volunteers for Group Discussions

1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Stephen Wormith
Keyword(s):  
Counselor Training ◽  
Differential Reinforcement ◽  
Complex Function ◽  
Control Program ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Volunteer Training ◽  
Delayed Treatment

Sixty-three volunteers were assigned to one of four different institutional programs with fifty incarcerated correctional offenders (trained discussion, untrained discussion, a self-control program and recreation activity) or a delayed-treatment control group. Volunteers were rated on interpersonal skills and discussions were monitored. An attitude-personality test battery was administered in a pre-post design. Participant evaluations were found to be a complex function of the amount and kind of volunteer training, the type of program, the personality of the volunteer, and the personality of the client. Trained discussion group volunteers self-reported more tension, and less flexibility than untrained volunteers although the residents did not describe them as such. Volunteers in the self-control program reported more tension and less flexibility, approachability, and influence relative to the recreation volunteers. Residents rated the self-control volunteers higher in tension but also more approachable and more concrete. Residents expressed a greater appreciation of the noncriminally oriented volunteers. Training had a positive effect on the differential reinforcement of residents' pro- and antisocial statements. All program group volunteers increased on identification with criminal others as a function of their exposure to offenders. Recreation group volunteers also increased on empathy. Implications for volunteer and correctional counselor training are reviewed.

Barriers to contraception among HIV-positive women in a periurban district of Uganda

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 661-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
A K Mbonye ◽  
K S Hansen ◽  
F Wamono ◽  
P Magnussen
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Hiv Positive Women ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Negative Perceptions

This study explored perceptions and care-seeking practices for HIV testing and contraception in order to obtain data for designing effective interventions to increase contraception among HIV-positive women. A triangulation of methods (household survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews) were conducted in Wakiso district, central Uganda from January to April 2009. Results show that a majority of women, 2062/2896 (71.2%) would like to have an HIV test, while access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) was low at 237/879 (27%). Of the women who were on ART, 133/266 (50.0%) could not use contraception due to negative perceptions that a combination of ART and contraceptives would weaken them, as these drugs were perceived to be ‘strong’. Fear of side-effects for contraceptives and resistance from spouses were other main reasons. Constraints to HIV testing included fear of clients knowing their own HIV status and fear of their spouses’ reactions to the test results. Private midwives were identified as a potential outlet for delivering contraception to HIV-positive women.

Young Women's and Men's Different Worlds of Alcohol, Fear, and Violence in Focus Group Discussions with 18-Year-Olds in Stockholm

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Abrahamson
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Other ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Street Violence

The purpose of the paper is to investigate how young women and men in focus group discussions reason about alcohol, street violence, fear of assault by a stranger, and to compare the different kinds of threats that young women and men present of what might happen when they are out at night and on their way home. The interviews are analysed from the point of view of the accounts the young people give for their feelings and behaviors. The young women's accounts are dominated by their answers to an implicit question of blame for how they ensure their security and which measures they have taken. What the young women are afraid of is rarely formulated explicitly. It is implicit and goes without much saying. On the other hand the accounts the young men are giving for their actions consist of answers to the implicit question of blame for violence they have been involved in and also of blame for fear of violence. The young men's picture of threat is concrete and consists of other young men of the same age. By their accounts they show that fear of violence is something that has to be given an explanation. The young men use intoxication both as an excuse for the violence they are using and as an explanation to why violence occurs.

scholarly journals HIV testing practices and the potential role of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in Mexico

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E Oldenburg ◽  
Katie B Biello ◽  
Amaya G Perez-Brumer ◽  
Joshua Rosenberger ◽  
David S Novak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Testing Practices ◽  
Sex With Men

The objective of this study was to characterize HIV testing practices among men who have sex with men in Mexico and intention to use HIV self-testing. In 2012, members of one of the largest social/sexual networking websites for men who have sex with men in Latin America completed an anonymous online survey. This analysis was restricted to HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men residing in Mexico. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess factors associated with HIV testing and intention to use a HIV self-test. Of 4537 respondents, 70.9% reported ever having a HIV test, of whom 75.5% reported testing at least yearly. The majority (94.3%) indicated that they would use a HIV home self-test if it were available. Participants identifying as bisexual less often reported ever HIV testing compared to those identifying as gay/homosexual (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.62). Having a physical exam in the past year was associated with increased ever HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 4.35, 95% confidence interval: 3.73–5.07), but associated with decreased interest in HIV self-testing (adjusted odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.89). The high intention to use HIV home self-testing supports the use of this method as an acceptable alternative to clinic- or hospital-based HIV testing.

scholarly journals PENINGKATAN PRESTASI BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA DENGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE TEAM INVESTIGATION SMP NEGERI 2 CEPER KLATEN

Intersections ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14
Author(s):  
Aji Permana Putra
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Class Action ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Learning Achievement ◽  
Group Presentations ◽  
Basic Competencies ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Academic Year

The purpose of this class action research is to (1) improve students' mathematics learning achievement through the Group Investigation learning model in class VII F SMPN 2 Ceper, Ceper District, Klaten Regency 2017/2018 Academic Year. (2) Describe how to overcome the constraints of applying the Group Investigation learning model to improve mathematics learning achievement of class VII F SMPN 2 Ceper. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded: (1) The application of the Group Investigation learning model can improve the learning achievement of grade VII F SMPN 2 Ceper, which is indicated by: students of class VII F as many as 32 students have increased learning achievement that is before action only 53.1% of students study completely, after the action becomes 100%. How to overcome constraints, namely the teacher must be skilled in applying  Group Investigation learning model is: a) reviewing the concepts and basic competencies that students will learn, b) forming heterogeneous study groups both in terms of ability, gender, religion, tribes etc., c) prepare everything about learning as well as possible so that when learning runs smoothly, d) minimize the number of group members so that learning takes place effectively with no passive group members or playing alone during group discussions, e) giving gifts at the best group presentations

scholarly journals An Unsupervised Smart App–Optimized HIV Self-Testing Program in Montreal, Canada: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitika Pant Pai ◽  
Megan Smallwood ◽  
Laurence Desjardins ◽  
Alexandre Goyette ◽  
Krisztian G Birkas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Test ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Completion Rate ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Testing Strategy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Self Test

BACKGROUND Although HIV self-testing strategies have been recommended by the World Health Organization, HIV self-tests are not yet approved in Canada. Currently approved HIV self-tests offer toll-free lines that are insufficient for initiating expedited linkages to counseling and care, accurate interpretation, and support during HIV self-testing. We developed an innovative, multilingual software app called HIVSmart! to plug these gaps. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test our app-optimized oral HIV self-testing strategy for feasibility in men who have sex with men (MSM) who presented to test at a large sexual health clinic (Clinique Médicale L’Actuel) in Montreal. METHODS Between July 2016 and February 2017, we offered a strategy consisting of the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test (an investigational device) and a tablet installed with the HIVSmart! app to study participants, who presented at a private office in the clinic, mimicking an unsupervised home environment. We evaluated the strategy for its feasibility, acceptability, and preference. Using the HIVSmart! app, participants were guided through the self-testing process. We determined feasibility with a metric defined as the completion rate, which consisted of the following 3 steps: (1) self-test conduct; (2) self-test interpretation; and (3) linkages to care. Participants independently performed, interpreted, recorded their self-test and result, engaged in pre- and posttest counseling, and sought linkages to care. Laboratory tests (p24, Western Blot, and RNA), as per country algorithms, were expedited, and linkages based on the rapid test status were arranged. RESULTS Mean age of the 451 participants enrolled was 34 (range, 18-73) years. Of all participants, 97.1% (438/451) completed and submitted the survey through the HIVSmart! app. In total, 84.7% (371/438) of the participants were well educated (beyond high school) and 52.5% (230/438) had been tested within the past 6 months. Of the 451, 11.5% (52/451) were on pre-exposure prophylaxis. Feasibility (completion rate), an average proportion of the 3 steps, was computed to be 96.6% (419/451). The acceptability of the strategy was high at 98.5% (451/458). A majority of the participants (448/451, 99.3%) were found to be self-tested and lab-confirmed negative and were counseled after self- and rapid tests. In total, 0.7% (3/451) of the participants who self-tested positive and were lab-confirmed positive were linked to a physician within the same day. Furthermore, 98.8% (417/422) of the participants found the app to be useful and 94.0% (424/451) were willing to recommend it to a friend or partner. CONCLUSIONS The HIVSmart! app-optimized strategy was feasible, accepted, and preferred by an educated, urban MSM population of Montreal. With the app, participants were able to perform, interpret, store results, and get rapidly linked to care. The HIVSmart!-optimized, self-testing strategy could be adapted and contextualized to many at-risk populations within Canada and worldwide, thereby maximizing its public health impact.

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