Drivers and barriers to workplace-based HIV self-testing among high-risk men in Uganda: a qualitative study

BMC Public Health

Stuart C. Ray¹  Robert C. Bollinger²  Patience A. Muwanguzi³  Nelson K. Sewankambo⁴  José A. Bauermeister⁵  Noah Kiwanuka⁶  LaRon E. Nelson⁷ 

[1] Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street room 532, 21205-1517, Baltimore, MD, USA;Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Phipps 540, 600 N. Wolfe St, 21286, Baltimore, MD, USA;School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda;School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda;School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda;University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Boulevard, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA;Yale University School of Nursing, 400 West Campus Drive, 06477, Orange, CT, USA;

关键词: Acceptability;    Barriers;    HIV self-testing;    Sub Saharan Africa;    Workplace;    Men;    Qualitative research;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-021-11041-y

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundMen in Sub-Saharan Africa are less engaged than women in accessing HIV testing and treatment and, consequently, experience higher HIV-related mortality. Reaching men with HIV testing services is challenging, thus, increasing the need for innovative ways to engage men with low access and those at higher risk. In this study, we explore men’s perceptions of drivers and barriers of workplace-based HIV self-testing in Uganda.MethodsAn exploratory study involving men working in private security companies employing more than 50 men in two districts, in central and western Uganda. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsForty-eight (48) men from eight private security companies participated in 5 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. Of the 48 men, 14(29.2%) were ages 26–35 years. The majority 31(64.6%) were security guards. The drivers reported for workplace-based HIV self-testing included convenience, autonomy, positive influence from work colleagues, the need for alternative access for HIV testing services, incentives, and involvement of employers. The barriers reported were the prohibitive cost of HIV tests, stigma, lack of testing support, the fear of discrimination and isolation, and concerns around decreased work productivity in the event of a reactive self-test.ConclusionsWe recommend the involvement of employers in workplace-based HIV self-testing to encourage participation by employees. There is need for HIV self-testing support both during and after the testing process. Both employers and employees recommend the use of non-monetary incentives, and regular training about HIV self-testing to increase the uptake and acceptability of HIV testing services at the workplace.

【 授权许可】

CC BY