Can HIV self-testing reach first-time testers? A telephone survey among self-test end users in Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Coverage of HIV testing remains sub-optimal in West Africa. Between 2019 and 2022, the ATLAS program distributed ~400 000 oral HIV self-tests (HIVST) in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal, prioritising female sex workers (FSW) and men having sex with men (MSM), and relying on secondary redistribution of HIVST to partners, peers and clients to reach individuals not tested through conventional testing. This study assesses the proportion of first-time testers among HIVST users and the associated factors.

Methods

A phone-based survey was implemented among HIVST users recruited using dedicated leaflets inviting them to anonymously call a free phone number. We collected socio-demographics, sexual behaviours, HIV testing history, HIVST use, and satisfaction with HIVST. We

SUBMITTER: Kra AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10518917 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature