Barriers, Facilitators and Preferences for HIV Testing Services among Adolescent Girls (15-19) and Young Women (20-24) in Rakai District, Central Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Background

HIV remains a significant global public health challenge, disproportionately affecting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Uganda has adopted different strategies of HIV Testing Services (HTS) to improve access and utilization, but the uptake of these services by AGYW is still low. This study explored barriers, facilitators, and preferences for HTS among AGYW in Rakai district, Central, Uganda.

Methods

This qualitative study employed in-depth interviews with 24 purposively selected AGYW aged 15-24 years who had used HTS at least once in the past year. Participants were drawn from diverse backgrounds based on age, residence (fishing or mainland communities), schooling, employment, and marital status. Data were analyzed thematically using both inductive and ded

SUBMITTER: Muhumuza C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12288541 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature