HIV Self-Testing Can Be Liberating to HIV-Positive Women and Their Sexual Partners: A Qualitative Study in Kisumu, Western Kenya

Overview

Journal J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2020 Apr 30

PMID 32347143

Citations 8

Authors

Kawango Agot

Gift-Noelle Wango

Beatrice Obonyo

Harsha Thirumurthy

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Nearly half of Kenyan men with HIV-positive partners do not know their partner's status. We carried out a qualitative substudy to explore the experiences of a sample of HIV-positive women when distributing HIV self-tests (HIVST) to their sexual partners.

Methods: HIV-positive women were invited for in-depth interviews to share their experiences in offering HIVST to their partners and how self-testing impacted their relationships.

Results: Two hundred ninety-seven women were randomized to HIVST, 12 of whom self-reported being HIV positive and 11 participated in the interview. Self-testing procedures and interpretation of results were well understood. Participants were strategic in approaching their partners, thus avoided partner violence. Couple testing was high, which strengthened relationships, improved condom use, and empowered women to make joint decisions concerning their health.

Conclusions: Giving HIV-positive women HIVST kits to distribute to their male partners is feasible and safe. Providers who have challenges reaching male partners with testing should consider HIVST.

Citing Articles

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Uptake and Acceptability of HIV Self-Testing Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Their Male Partners in Sub-Saharan Africa: Benefits, Challenges, and Delivery Strategies.

Adepoju V, Udah D, Adnani Q, Ahmed M, Okesanya O HIV AIDS (Auckl). 2024; 16:467-476.

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HIV Self-Testing: A Discussion on the Benefits, Limitations, and Implications for Public Health with a Focus on Poland.

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Enthusiasm for Introducing and Integrating HIV Self-Testing but Doubts About Users: A Baseline Qualitative Analysis of Key Stakeholders' Attitudes and Perceptions in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Senegal.

Ky-Zerbo O, Desclaux A, Kouadio A, Rouveau N, Vautier A, Sow S Front Public Health. 2021; 9:653481.

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