scholarly journals Going door-to-door to reach men and young people with HIV testing services to achieve the 90–90–90 treatment targets

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Geoffroy ◽  
E. Schell ◽  
J. Jere ◽  
N. Khozomba
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ucheoma Nwaozuru ◽  
iwelunmor juliet ◽  
Jason J. Ong ◽  
Sawsan Salah ◽  
Chisom Obiezu-Umeh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite high HIV incidence rates among young people in Nigeria, less than 24% of this population have ever tested for HIV. These low HIV testing rates suggest that current testing services may not align with their testing preferences. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to assess preferences for HIV testing options among young people in Nigeria.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using survey to assess preferences for HIV testing options among 113 youth aged 14-24 years residing in Nigeria. The survey included a series of hypothetical HIV testing options, comprised of six characteristics centered around HIV testing service (i.e. location of testing, test administrator, mode of pre-test, mode of post-test counseling, type of HIV test, and cost of HIV test). For each characteristic, participants were asked to select one of the options that they prefer or indicate none of the above. A descriptive analysis of the preferences made by participants was conducted, summarizing proportions of participants who selected different options for HIV testing.Results The mean age of study participants was 19.5 years old (SD=2.7). Most youth (73, 64.6%) had at least a secondary school degree. There was pronounced heterogeneity in HIV testing preferences among young people. Although most youth preferred free HIV testing, 14 (16.7%) reported preferring paying a small amount compared to free testing. More youth preferred blood-based HIV self-testing 39(48.8%) compared to facility-based HIV testing and oral HIV self-testing.Conclusions Our finding suggest that young people have a range of HIV testing preferences in Nigeria. This suggests that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to delivering services to youth may be challenging in this context. HIV testing services can be optimized to reach young people if a variety options are provided to meet their unique preferences.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ucheoma Nwaozuru ◽  
iwelunmor juliet ◽  
Jason J. Ong ◽  
Sawsan Salah ◽  
Chisom Obiezu-Umeh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite high HIV incidence rates among young people in Nigeria, less than 24% of this population have ever tested for HIV. These low HIV testing rates suggest that current testing services may not align with their testing preferences. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to assess preferences for HIV testing options among young people in Nigeria.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using survey to assess preferences for HIV testing options among 113 youth aged 14-24 years residing in Nigeria. The survey included a series of hypothetical HIV testing options, comprised of six characteristics centered around HIV testing service (i.e. location of testing, test administrator, mode of pre-test, mode of post-test counseling, type of HIV test, and cost of HIV test). For each characteristic, participants were asked to select one of the options that they prefer or indicate none of the above. A descriptive analysis of the preferences made by participants was conducted, summarizing proportions of participants who selected different options for HIV testing.Results The mean age of study participants was 19.5 years old (SD=2.7). Most youth (73, 64.6%) had at least a secondary school degree. There was pronounced heterogeneity in HIV testing preferences among young people. Although most youth preferred free HIV testing, 14 (16.7%) reported preferring paying a small amount compared to free testing. More youth preferred blood-based HIV self-testing 39(48.8%) compared to facility-based HIV testing and oral HIV self-testing.Conclusions Our finding suggest that young people have a range of HIV testing preferences in Nigeria. This suggests that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to delivering services to youth may be challenging in this context. HIV testing services can be optimized to reach young people if a variety options are provided to meet their unique preferences.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph K. B. Matovu ◽  
Aminah Nambuusi ◽  
Scovia Nakabirye ◽  
Rhoda K. Wanyenze ◽  
David Serwadda

Abstract Background Despite efforts to improve HIV testing and linkage to HIV care among adolescents, young people and adult men, uptake rates remain below global targets. We conducted formative research to generate data necessary to inform the design of a peer-led HIV self-testing (HIVST) intervention intended to improve HIV testing uptake and linkage to HIV care in Kasensero fishing community in rural Uganda. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in three study communities in Kasensero fishing community in Rakai district, Uganda, in May 2019. Six single-sex focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising 7–8 participants were conducted with adolescents and young people (15–24 years) and adult men (25+ years). We collected data on people’s perceptions about peer-led HIVST; potential acceptability of a peer-led HIVST intervention and suggestions on how to improve linkage to HIV care after a positive HIVST result. Peer-led HIVST was defined as an approach where trained lay people distribute HIVST kits to other people in the community. FGDs were audio-recorded with permission from the participants, transcribed verbatim and analysed manually following a thematic framework approach. Results Forty-seven participants (31 men and 16 women) participated in the FGDs. Across communities and age-groups, most participants mentioned that peer-led HIVST would be generally acceptable to people in the fishing community but people will need support in performing the test due to fear of performing the test wrongly or failing to cope with HIV-positive results. Most participants felt that peer-led HIVST would bring HIV testing services closer to the community “because [the peer-leader] could be my immediate neighbour”, making it easier for people to obtain the kits at any time of their convenience. To improve linkage to HIV care, participants felt that the use of peer-leaders to deliver the initial ART dose to self-tested HIV-positive individuals would be more preferable to the use of community-based ART groups or home-based ART initiation. Conclusion Our study shows that peer-led HIVST is potentially acceptable in the fishing community. These findings suggest that this approach can improve uptake of HIV testing and linkage to HIV care services among populations that are usually missed through conventional HIV testing services.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ucheoma Nwaozuru ◽  
iwelunmor juliet ◽  
Jason J. Ong ◽  
Sawsan Salah ◽  
Chisom Obiezu-Umeh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite high HIV incidence rates among young people in Nigeria, less than 24% of this population have ever tested for HIV. These low HIV testing rates suggest that current testing services may not align with their testing preferences. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to assess preferences for HIV testing options among young people in Nigeria.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using survey to assess preferences for HIV testing options among 113 youth aged 14-24 years residing in Nigeria. The survey included a series of hypothetical HIV testing options, comprised of six characteristics centered around HIV testing service (i.e. location of testing, test administrator, mode of pre-test, mode of post-test counseling, type of HIV test, and cost of HIV test). For each characteristic, participants were asked to select one of the options that they prefer or indicate none of the above. A descriptive analysis of the preferences made by participants was conducted, summarizing proportions of participants who selected different options for HIV testing.Results The mean age of study participants was 19.5 years old (SD=2.7). Most youth (73, 64.6%) had at least a secondary school degree. There was pronounced heterogeneity in HIV testing preferences among young people. Although most youth preferred free HIV testing, 14 (16.7%) reported preferring paying a small amount compared to free testing. More youth preferred blood-based HIV self-testing 39(48.8%) compared to facility-based HIV testing and oral HIV self-testing.Conclusions Our finding suggest that young people have a range of HIV testing preferences in Nigeria. This suggests that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to delivering services to youth may be challenging in this context. HIV testing services can be optimized to reach young people if a variety options are provided to meet their unique preferences.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ucheoma Nwaozuru ◽  
Juliet Iwelunmor ◽  
Jason J. Ong ◽  
Sawsan Salah ◽  
Chisom Obiezu-Umeh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite high HIV incidence rates among young people in Nigeria, less than 24% of this population have ever tested for HIV. These low HIV testing rates suggest that current testing services may not align with their testing preferences. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to assess preferences for HIV testing options among young people in Nigeria. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using survey to assess preferences for HIV testing options among 113 youth aged 14–24 years residing in Nigeria. The survey included a series of hypothetical HIV testing options, comprised of six characteristics centered around HIV testing service (i.e. location of testing, test administrator, mode of pre-test, mode of post-test counseling, type of HIV test, and cost of HIV test). For each characteristic, participants were asked to select one of the options that they prefer or indicate none of the above. A descriptive analysis of the preferences made by participants was conducted, summarizing proportions of participants who selected different options for HIV testing. Results The mean age of study participants was 19.5 years old (SD = 2.7). Most youth (73, 64.6%) had at least a secondary school degree. There was pronounced heterogeneity in HIV testing preferences among young people. Although most youth preferred free HIV testing, 14 (16.7%) reported preferring paying a small amount compared to free testing. More youth preferred blood-based HIV self-testing 39(48.8%) compared to facility-based HIV testing and oral HIV self-testing. Conclusions Our finding suggest that young people have a range of HIV testing preferences in Nigeria. This suggests that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to delivering services to youth may be challenging in this context. HIV testing services can be optimized to reach young people if a variety options are provided to meet their unique preferences.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Jasper Sakala ◽  
William Stones

Abstract Background: While studies generally indicate low utilization of HIV testing services (HTS) by young people in Sub-Saharan Africa, other reports also indicate a worrying HIV burden among the same group, evidenced by a recent trends in new infections. The low uptake of HTS among young people means that for many, new infections remain undiagnosed, hindering public health efforts for disease controlWe aimed to explore the factors that hinder – as well as those that encourage – HIV testing among adolescents and young adults in at individual, interpersonal, community and health system levels in a Malawi district.Methods: 24 In-depth interviews (IDIs) and 4 key-informant interviews (KIIs) were used to collect data, and purposive sampling was used to identify the respondents. IDIs targeted adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years, whereas KIIs targeted HTS and youth-friendly health service (YFHS) providers. Coding and analysis were done using a modified Social-Ecological Framework.Results: Fear of a positive result, poor communication in relationships and families, cultural norms as well as lack of youth-friendly HIV testing services were key barriers to HIV testing. Perceived susceptibility to infection, presence of partner support, availability of community-level youth clubs or support groups, and the provision of HTS through outreach clinics were key facilitators for HIV testing. Conclusions: There is a pressing need for widespread mobile HIV testing at the community level to encourage uptake among young people who fail to visit health facilities for various reasons. Access to HIV self-testing through the distribution of kits at government health facilities is a promising strategy for young people who distrust service providers when it comes to maintaining the confidentiality of their results.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph KB Matovu ◽  
Aminah Nambuusi ◽  
Scovia Nakabirye ◽  
David Serwadda ◽  
Rhoda Wanyenze

Abstract Background Despite efforts to improve HIV testing and linkage to HIV care among young people and adult men, uptake rates remain below global targets. We conducted formative research to generate data necessary to inform the design of a peer-led HIV self-testing (HIVST) intervention intended to improve HIV testing uptake and linkage to HIV care among young people and adult men in Kasensero fishing community in rural Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional, qualitative study conducted in three study communities in Kasensero fishing community in Rakai district, Uganda, between May 6 – 10, 2019. Six single-sex focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising 7-8 participants were conducted with young men (15-24 years), young women (15-24 years) and adult men (25+ years). We collected data on people’s perceptions about HIVST and peer-led HIVST; potential acceptability of peer-led HIVST and suggestions on how to implement peer-led HIVST in the community. Peer-led HIVST was defined as an approach that uses a trained lay person to distribute HIVST kits to other people in the community. FGDs were audio-recorded with permission from the participants, transcribed verbatim and analysed manually following a thematic framework approach. Results Forty-seven participants (31 men and 16 women) participated in the FGDs. Across communities and age-groups, most participants mentioned that peer-led HIVST would be generally acceptable to people in the community but people will need support in performing the test due to fear of performing the test wrongly or failing to cope with HIV-positive results. Most participants felt that peer-led HIVST would bring HIV testing services closer to the community “because [the peer-leader] could be my immediate neighbour”, making it easier for people to obtain the kits at any time of their convenience as opposed to placing them at a health facility. Participants suggested that the peer-leader should be a permanent resident, accessible, trustworthy, and good at keeping secrets. Conclusion Our study shows that peer-led HIVST is potentially acceptable in the fishing community suggesting that this approach can help to improve uptake of HIV testing services among young people and adult men who are usually missed through conventional HIV testing services.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonderai Mabuto ◽  
Bhakti Hansoti ◽  
Salome Charalambous ◽  
Christopher Hoffman

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience A. Muwanguzi ◽  
Robert C. Bollinger ◽  
Stuart C. Ray ◽  
LaRon E. Nelson ◽  
Noah Kiwanuka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Men in Sub-Saharan Africa are less engaged than women in accessing HIV testing and treatment and, consequently, experience higher HIV-related mortality. Reaching men with HIV testing services is challenging, thus, increasing the need for innovative ways to engage men with low access and those at higher risk. In this study, we explore men’s perceptions of drivers and barriers of workplace-based HIV self-testing in Uganda. Methods An exploratory study involving men working in private security companies employing more than 50 men in two districts, in central and western Uganda. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Forty-eight (48) men from eight private security companies participated in 5 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. Of the 48 men, 14(29.2%) were ages 26–35 years. The majority 31(64.6%) were security guards. The drivers reported for workplace-based HIV self-testing included convenience, autonomy, positive influence from work colleagues, the need for alternative access for HIV testing services, incentives, and involvement of employers. The barriers reported were the prohibitive cost of HIV tests, stigma, lack of testing support, the fear of discrimination and isolation, and concerns around decreased work productivity in the event of a reactive self-test. Conclusions We recommend the involvement of employers in workplace-based HIV self-testing to encourage participation by employees. There is need for HIV self-testing support both during and after the testing process. Both employers and employees recommend the use of non-monetary incentives, and regular training about HIV self-testing to increase the uptake and acceptability of HIV testing services at the workplace.


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