Exploring HIV Self-Testing: Barriers and Facilitators Among Undergraduate Students in Nairobi, Kenya.

IF 4.4 2区 医学 Q1 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL
Nicholas Kyalo Muendo, Joseph Thigiti, Osborn Tembu, Abdinoor Mohamed, Stephanie Audi, Muthoni Karanja
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Abstract

Purpose: Infection with HIV remains a global health challenge, with >36.9 million individuals living with HIV in 2017. Despite efforts to increase HIV testing and treatment, traditional services have not effectively reached marginalized communities. The use of HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers a discreet and accessible alternative, potentially improving testing rates among at-risk populations including university students in Kenya.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analytical study using a multistage cluster sampling technique among undergraduate students at Kenyatta University. Clusters from various academic departments were randomly selected, and individual students were chosen for participation. Ethical approval was obtained from the Kenyatta University Ethics Review Committee and the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation. Participants were informed of the study's aims and their right to withdraw at any time. We collected data via questionnaires administered by trained enumerators.

Results: Participants' age averaged 21.1 years, with a majority being single, female, and full-time students. Substantial HIV knowledge was observed, and nearly one-half were aware of preexposure prophylaxis. Facility-based testing was prevalent, with significant preference for the OraQuick self-test kit among those who self-tested. Fear of positive results and stigma were primary barriers, whereas motivations for self-testing included routine use and protecting loved ones. Media exposure, especially the "Chukua Selfie" campaign, correlated with greater HIVST usage.

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of school-based interventions and the critical role of academic institution support in HIV prevention. Participants' substantial knowledge of HIV contrasts with findings from other regions, underscoring the need for targeted education and safe-sex promotion. Addressing fear and stigma via comprehensive interventions is essential for improving HIVST uptake. Integrating HIVST into existing prevention programs can enhance HIV care frameworks in East Africa. Strategies to destigmatize HIV, ensure privacy in testing, and address misconceptions are vital for improving health outcomes among young individuals. Continuous efforts to strengthen self-testing programs are crucial to achieving global HIV targets.

探索艾滋病毒自我检测:肯尼亚内罗毕大学生中的障碍和促进因素。
目的:感染艾滋病毒仍然是一项全球性的健康挑战,2017 年有超过 3690 万人感染艾滋病毒。尽管人们努力增加艾滋病毒检测和治疗,但传统服务并未有效惠及边缘化社区。艾滋病毒自我检测(HIVST)提供了一种隐蔽、方便的替代方法,有可能提高包括肯尼亚大学生在内的高危人群的检测率:我们在肯雅塔大学的本科生中采用多阶段分组抽样技术进行了一项横断面分析研究。我们随机抽取了各个院系的分组,并选择了个别学生参与其中。研究获得了肯雅塔大学伦理审查委员会和国家科学、技术和创新委员会的伦理批准。参与者已被告知研究目的以及随时退出的权利。我们通过由训练有素的调查员发放的问卷收集数据:参与者的平均年龄为 21.1 岁,大多数为单身女性和全日制学生。参加者对艾滋病有相当的了解,近一半的人知道接触前预防。在进行自我检测的人群中,有很大一部分人倾向于使用 OraQuick 自我检测试剂盒。对阳性结果的恐惧和耻辱感是主要障碍,而自我检测的动机包括日常使用和保护亲人。媒体曝光,尤其是 "Chukua 自拍 "活动,与更多人使用艾滋病毒检测工具有关:本研究强调了校本干预的重要性以及学术机构的支持在艾滋病预防中的关键作用。参与者对艾滋病毒的大量了解与其他地区的研究结果形成了鲜明对比,这凸显了开展有针对性的教育和安全性行为宣传的必要性。通过综合干预措施消除恐惧和耻辱感对于提高艾滋病毒检测的接受率至关重要。将艾滋病毒检测纳入现有的预防计划可以加强东非的艾滋病毒护理框架。消除艾滋病毒的污名化、确保检测隐私以及消除误解的战略对于改善年轻人的健康状况至关重要。不断努力加强自我检测计划对于实现全球艾滋病毒防治目标至关重要。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Annals of Family Medicine
Annals of Family Medicine 医学-医学:内科
CiteScore
3.70
自引率
4.50%
发文量
142
审稿时长
6-12 weeks
期刊介绍: The Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed research journal to meet the needs of scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and the patients and communities they serve.
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