Acceptability of HIV oral self-test among truck drivers and youths: a qualitative investigation from Pune, Maharashtra.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ending AIDS by 2030 is a global target, to which India is a signatory. HIV-self-test (HIVST) coupled with counselling and AIDS-care, including antiretroviral therapy, has the potential to achieve this. However, national programs are at varying stages of acceptance of HIVST, as discussions around its introduction spark controversy and debates. HIV-self-test, as yet, is not part of the AIDS control program in India. Against this backdrop, we explored acceptability of an HIV oral self-test (HIVOST) among truckers and young men and women.

Methods

A qualitative investigation with 41 in-depth-interviews and 15 group discussions were conducted in the district of Pune, in the western state of Maharashtra, India. These interactions were built around a prototype HIVOST kit,

SUBMITTER: Rao A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8543938 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature