biostudies-literatureBoisvert Moreau MWorld Health OrganizationCanadian Institutes of Health Research589https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8962183biostudies-literatureUnknown22(1)<h4>Background</h4>In Benin, the burden of HIV is disproportionately high among female sex workers (FSWs). HIV testing and knowledge of status are starting points for HIV treatment and prevention interventions. Despite the importance given to testing services in HIV control, its uptake among FSWs remains suboptimal in Benin. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be useful for increasing testing rates in FSWs.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a pilot study of the distribution of saliva-based HIVST among FSWs in Cotonou and its surroundings, Benin. The HIVST promotion and distribution model included three complementary strategies: community-based, facility-based and secondary distribution. In this qualitative study, we explored the elements influencing HIVST implementation, distribution and use among FSWsBMC public healthHIV self-testing implementation, distribution and use among female sex workers in Cotonou, Benin: a qualitative evaluation of acceptability and feasibility.PMC8962183001FDN-143218Atchekpe SGagnon MPKintin FDAlary MBoisvert Moreau MGuedou FABehanzin LBatona GfalseHIV self-testing implementation, distribution and use among female sex workers in Cotonou, Benin: a qualitative evaluation of acceptability and feasibility.<h4>Background</h4>In Benin, the burden of HIV is disproportionately high among female sex workers (FSWs). HIV testing and knowledge of status are starting points for HIV treatment and prevention interventions. Despite the importance given to testing services in HIV control, its uptake among FSWs remains suboptimal in Benin. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be useful for increasing testing rates in FSWs.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a pilot study of the distribution of saliva-based HIVST among FSWs in Cotonou and its surroundings, Benin. The HIVST promotion and distribution model included three complementary strategies: community-based, facility-based and secondary distribution. In this qualitative study, we explored the elements influencing HIVST implementation, distribution and use among FSWs2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Mar2025-04-22T07:48:22.781Z2025-02-19T03:47:12.254ZS-EPMC89621833534611910.1186/s12889-022-12917-3