Socio-ecological model: Understanding facilitators and barriers to HIV testing and counseling uptake in sub-Saharan Africa - A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This systematic review examined the facilitators and barriers to HTC uptake among adults in SSA using the socio-ecological model (SEM).

Methods

A systematic search of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO and Europe PMC identified 114 HTC uptake studies in SSA from 2010 to 2023 of which 6 met the inclusion criteria. The search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Individual level facilitators of HTC included high perceived HIV risk, privacy, higher education, and prior testing experience while low HIV knowledge, fear of positive results, stigma, and lack of confidence in self-testing were barriers. Interpersonal facilitators included partner and peer support, a

SUBMITTER: Debuo Der A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813316 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature