'When I have these kits … I have confidence' - HIV self-testing provides agency for women in their sexual decision-making.

ABSTRACT: Oral fluid-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) has emerged as a promising approach to increasing HIV testing coverage, particularly among high-risk populations. Understanding the experiences of women using self-tests and offering them to their sexual partners (secondary distribution) is crucial for determining the potential of HIVST. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted among 32 women at high risk of HIV infection, including women who engage in transactional sex, who participated in a cluster randomised trial of a secondary distribution strategy in western Kenya. Interviews explored how women used self-tests within relationships and how this affected their sexual decision-making. Three key themes emerged: women used HIVST to assess risk prior to engaging in sex with partners; HIVST pr

SUBMITTER: Ruderman LW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9800639 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature