scholarly journals Operationalizing the distribution of oral HIV self-testing kits to men who have sex with men (MSM) in a highly homophobic environment: the Nigerian experience

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adekemi Sekoni ◽  
Waimar Tun ◽  
Osasuyi Dirisu ◽  
Temitope Ladi-Akinyemi ◽  
Elizabeth Shoyemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Community Skills ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In spite of this, stigma from healthcare workers has reportedly prevented MSM from accessing HIV testing in health facilities. This paper explored the operationalization of using key opinion leaders (KOLs) to distribute HIVST (HIV self-test) kits to MSM. This qualitative survey used a combination of in-depth interviews (IDI) with HIVST users and focus group discussions (FGDs) with KOLs to collect data three months after the distribution of the test kits by the KOLs. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. Result Three themes were generated namely: KOLs serve as a trusted resource to promote and support HIVST for the MSM community; Skills and qualifications required for KOLs to effectively distribute and promote uptake of HIVST; and Effective strategies used to create demand and promote uptake of HIVST. Conclusion This study showed the practical steps involved in operationalizing KOL support system distribution of HIVST that positively influenced the testing experience for the participants irrespective of the HIV status and engagement in care. KOLs are a reliable resource to leverage for ensuring that HIV self-test kit is utilized and HIV positive individuals are linked to treatment and care in homophobic environments.

scholarly journals Operationalizing the distribution of oral HIV self-testing kits to men who have sex with men (MSM) in a highly homophobic environment: The Nigerian experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adekemi Sekoni ◽  
Waimar Tun ◽  
Osasuyi Dirisu ◽  
Temitope Ladi-Akinyemi ◽  
Elizabeth Shoyemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Engagement In Care ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Community Skills ◽  
Care Health ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achieving the SDGs. MSM have been disproportionately affected by HIV. In spite of this, stigma from healthcare workers has reportedly prevented MSM from accessing HIV testing in health facilities. This paper explored the operationalization of using KOLs to distribute HIVST kits to MSM.Methods This qualitative survey used a combination of IDI with HIVST users and FGDs with KOLs to collect data three months after distribution of the test kits by the KOLs. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out.Results Three themes were generated namely: KOLs serve as a trusted resource to promote and support HIVST for the MSM community; Skills and qualifications of KOLs required to effectively distribute and promote uptake of HIVST; and Effective strategies used to create demand and promote uptake of HIVST.Conclusions This study showed the practical steps involved in operationalizing KOL support system distribution of HIVST that positively influenced the testing experience for the participants irrespective of the HIV status and engagement in care. KOLs are a reliable resource to leverage on for ensuring that HIV self-test is utilized and positive individuals are linked to treatment and care in homophobic environments.

scholarly journals AWARENESS AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR HIV SELF-TEST AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN FROM METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-70
Author(s):  
Samuel Brando Piamonte ◽  
Rossana Ditangco
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Metro Manila ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Saliva Test

Self-testing is a new innovation in HIV testing where one can conduct an HIV test and interpret results discreetly. However, such is not yet available in the Philippine market. This formative study aims to identify the awareness of men who have sex with men (MSM) from Metro Manila, Philippines towards HIV self-testing (HIVST) as well as their willingness to pay for a self-test kit should it be available commercially. Two-hundred fifty MSM who received a non-reactive HIV screening test result from a community-based voluntary counseling and testing center were recruited. Results indicated that there were more respondents who have not heard yet about HIVST. The social media and the internet were the most prominent of source of awareness about it. Frequent testers and being exclusively or more attracted to the same sex are more likely to be aware of HIVST. Median price one is willing to pay is 500 Pesos (roughly 10 US Dollars) and preference for saliva test that blood was reported. Over-all, results implicate that efforts to inform MSM about HIVST should be initiated effectively. Should it be available, HIVST services can also be optimized if done through saliva test and are provided at low price.

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.

scholarly journals Is Africa Capable of Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the 2020-2030 Decade of Programming?

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Austin Muswere
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Analytical Work ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
Desk Review

The capabilities, efficiency and effectiveness of the outcomes of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development demands a lot of analytical work from an  African perspective towards its commitment on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the 2020-2030 decade. This paper provides an analytical framework questioning the forum`s outcomes and the African capabilities. The framework interrogates the feasibility of the approaches of the forum used as alternatives towards the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals, 169 targets and 304 indicators. The analysis is made together with the outlook of the African aspirations as defined in the Agenda 2063. An analytical framework based on advocacy research and desk review of literature available was used. The framework provided a balanced analysis of both the progress made so far and the challenges that Africa is facing today. Africa does not have effective strategies that make her ready to meet the sustainable development goals by 2030. Africa is recommended to prioritise on investment, build strong partnerships and coalitions as a critical discernment of the different African initiatives propagated through the 2030 Agenda and 2063 Agenda.

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 Syphilis Self-testing: A Nationwide Pragmatic Study Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 2178-2186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Wang ◽  
Weibin Cheng ◽  
Changchang Li ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Jason J Ong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
First Time

AbstractBackgroundSyphilis self-testing may help expand syphilis testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). China has rapidly scaled up human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing, creating an opportunity for integrated syphilis self-testing. However, there is a limited literature on implementing syphilis self-testing.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Chinese MSM in 2018. Participants completed a survey instrument including sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, syphilis self-testing, and HIV self-testing history. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of syphilis self-testing. We also recorded potential harms associated with syphilis self-testing.ResultsSix hundred ninety-nine MSM from 89 cities in 21 provinces in China completed the study. A total of 361/699 (51.7%) men tested for syphilis, of whom 174/699 (24.9%) men used syphilis self-testing. Among 174 who had self-tested, 90 (51.7%) reported that the self-test was their first syphilis test and 161 (92.5%) reported that they undertook syphilis self-testing together with HIV self-testing. After adjusting for covariates, syphilis self-testing was correlated with disclosure of sexual orientation to family or friends (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–2.73), reporting 2–5 male sexual partners (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04–3.16), HIV self-testing (aOR, 39.90; 95% CI, 17.00–93.61), and never tested for syphilis in the hospital (aOR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.86–4.72). Self-reported harms associated with syphilis self-testing were minimal.ConclusionsScaling up syphilis self-testing could complement facility-based testing in China among MSM. Self-testing may increase first-time testing and has limited harms. Our findings suggest that syphilis self-testing could be integrated into HIV self-testing services.

scholarly journals Level of knowledge, acceptability, and willingness to use oral fluid HIV self-testing among medical students in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Proches Arobogast Vara ◽  
Luyeye Sostenes Buhulula ◽  
Fatma Aziz Mohammed ◽  
Bernard Njau
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Oral Fluid ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Self Test ◽  
High Level ◽  
Willingness To Use

Abstract Background HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) is universally accepted as an innovative strategy complimenting existing HIV testing services to archive the UNAIDS, 95-95-95 goals by 2030. However, the adoption of HIVST is lagging in most sub-Saharan countries, including Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, acceptability, and willingness to use HIVST among Medical students in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was conducted from May to June 2019 among 271 medical students aged 18–44 years enrolled in a degree of Medicine course at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College. Results A total of 271 participants were enrolled (response rate of 100%). The mean age was 23.9 (SD 2.9), the majority (91%) were Christians, being single (92%), and a half (50.2%) were males. More than half (55.7%) was sexually active, 67.5% reported the age of first sexual debut at 19 years and above. The majority (81.5%) reported that they had one sexual partner, 37% used condoms during the last sexual act. The majority (98.7%) had never had a sexually transmitted disease during the past 3 months, 22.5% reported using alcohol when having sex. More than three-quarters (79%) ever tested for HIV, and 41.6% tested for HIV in the past year. More than two-thirds (67.9%) had a high level of knowledge on oral fluid HIV self-test. Being a female was related with high level of knowledge (P = 0.225). The acceptability of HIVST was 62.7%, and about two-thirds showed a willingness to buy a self-test kit if available for public use. Conclusions The high level of knowledge on oral fluid HIV self-testing, acceptability and willingness to buy self-test kit if available for public use among sexually active medical students underscores the importance of introducing HIVST as a complementary approach for existing HIV testing services in this setting. To make HIVST effective, interventionist should address concerns associated with self-testing, such as lack of pre and post-test counseling, suicidal risks after receiving HIV positive results, perceived risks of inaccurate HIVST test results, lack of linkage to care of individuals receiving HIV positive results, perceived risks of intimate partner violence, coercive testing of a female partner, and perceived high cost of buying self-test kits.

scholarly journals Teachers Challenges and Coping Mechanisms in Educating Learners with Disabilities among Some Selected Special Needs Units in Mombasa County, Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Vincent Otieno Macmbinji ◽  
Alice Anika, Pwani
Keyword(s):  
Least Restrictive Environment ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Children With Disability ◽  
Training Capacity ◽  
Digital Recorder ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Restrictive Environment ◽  
And Coping

<p><em>Inclusion of children with disability in the special units has been a great challenge in many counties in Kenya. One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to give all Children Living with Disability (CLWD) the opportunity to participate in the least restrictive environment. However, teachers in special units face a myriad of drawbacks in handling children with disabilities in the special units. This paper addresses challenges and mitigation as viewed by the teachers</em><em> </em><em>working in those special units. Purposive sampling was used to sample 50 respondents (teachers). Data was collected using interviews, Focused Group Discussions (FDG) and digital recorder. Descriptive data analysis method yielded results indicating that one of the major challenges teachers faced is the in efficiency of training capacity of teachers due to various disabilities children face and this spills over to inadaptability of the curriculum. Teachers have mitigated individual based education programme as a coping mechanism.</em></p>

scholarly journals “We have to learn to cooperate with each other”: a qualitative study to explore integration of traditional healers into the provision of HIV self-testing and tuberculosis screening in Eswatini

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Schausberger ◽  
Nqobile Mmema ◽  
Velibanti Dlamini ◽  
Lenhle Dube ◽  
Aung Aung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Cultural Literacy ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test

Abstract Background Traditional healing plays an important role in healthcare in Eswatini, and innovative collaborations with traditional healers may enable hard-to-reach men to access HIV and tuberculosis diagnostic services. This study explored attitudes towards integration of traditional healers into the provision of HIV self-testing kits and sputum collection containers. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in 2019–2020 in Shiselweni region, Eswatini. Eight male traditional healers were trained on HIV and tuberculosis care including distribution of HIV self-testing kits and sputum collection containers. Attitudes towards the intervention were elicited through in-depth interviews with the eight traditional healers, ten clients, five healthcare workers and seven focus group discussions with community members. Interviews and group discussions were conducted in SiSwati, audio-recorded, translated and transcribed into English. Data were coded inductively and analysed thematically. Results 81 HIV self-testing kits and 24 sputum collection containers were distributed by the healers to 99 clients, with 14% of participants reporting a reactive HIV self-test result. The distribution of sputum containers did not result in any tuberculosis diagnoses, as samples were refused at health centres. Traditional healers perceived themselves as important healthcare providers, and after training, were willing and able to distribute HIV self-test kits and sputum containers to clients. Many saw themselves as peers who could address barriers to health-seeking among Swazi men that reflected hegemonic masculinities and patriarchal attitudes. Traditional healers were considered to provide services that were private, flexible, efficient and non-judgemental, although some clients and community members expressed concerns over confidentiality breaches. Attitudes among health workers were mixed, with some calling for greater collaboration with traditional healers and others expressing doubts about their potential role in promoting HIV and tuberculosis services. Specifically, many health workers did not accept sputum samples collected outside health facilities. Conclusions Offering HIV self-testing kits and sputum containers through traditional healers led to high HIV yields, but no TB diagnoses. The intervention was appreciated by healers’ clients, due to the cultural literacy of traditional healers and practical considerations. Scaling-up this approach could bridge testing gaps if traditional healers are supported, but procedures for receiving sputum samples at health facilities need further strengthening.

scholarly journals Syphilis self-testing to expand test uptake among men who have sex with men: a theoretically informed mixed methods study in Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarisse Sri-Pathmanathan ◽  
Definate Nhamo ◽  
Takudzwa Mamvuto ◽  
Gwendoline Chapwanya ◽  
Fern Terris-Prestholt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Depth Interviews

ABSTRACTObjectivesSelf-testing for STIs such as HIV and syphilis may empower sexual minorities and expand uptake of STI testing. While much is known about HIV self-testing (HIVST), less is known about syphilis self-testing, particularly in low-income settings. The objective of this study is to determine context-specific facilitators and barriers for self-testing and to assess the usability of syphilis self-testing in Zimbabwe among men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsThis mixed methods study was conducted in Harare as part of a larger syphilis self-testing trial. The study included in-depth interviews (phase one) followed by usability testing and a second interview (phase two). In-depth interviews were conducted with MSM and key informants prior to syphilis self-testing. The same MSM then used the syphilis self-test, quantitatively assessed its usability and participated in a second in-depth interview. Phase one data was analysed using a thematic approach, guided by an adapted Social Ecological Model conceptual framework. Phase two interviews were analysed using Rapid Assessment Procedure qualitative methodology, and usability was assessed using a pre-established index, adapted from existing HIVST evaluation scales.ResultsTwenty MSM and 10 key informants were recruited for phase one in-depth interviews and 16 of these MSM participated in phase two by completing a syphilis self-test kit. Facilitating factors for self-testing included the potential for increased privacy, convenience, autonomy and avoidance of social and healthcare provider stigma. Barriers included the fear to test and uncertainty about linkage to care and treatment. Data from the usability index suggested high usability (89.6% on a 0-100 scale) among the men who received the self-test.ConclusionsMSM in Zimbabwe were willing to use syphilis self-test kits and many of the barriers and facilitators were similar to those observed for HIVST. Syphilis self-testing may increase syphilis test uptake among sexual minorities in Zimbabwe and other low- and middle-income countries.Key messages-Syphilis self-testing is an empowering, innovative tool that can be used to expand uptake of STI testing among sexual minorities in Zimbabwe.-Facilitators and barriers for syphilis self-testing are similar to those observed for HIV self-testing in Zimbabwe and other low- and middle-income countries.-Participants reported high self-test usability and found that self-testing provided increased privacy, convenience and autonomy in comparison to facility-based testing.

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