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What drives 'first-time testers' to test for HIV at community-based HIV testing services?
S-A Meehan1, H R Draper1, R Burger2
1Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Public Health Action
|March 28, 2018
Summary
Fear and accessibility issues were the main barriers for first-time human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) testing. The desire to know status and immediate testing opportunities were key drivers for individuals seeking community-based HIV testing services.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Understanding motivations for first-time human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) testing is crucial for increasing uptake.
- Barriers and drivers for self-initiated community-based HIV testing (CB-HTS) among previously untested individuals remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary drivers and barriers influencing first-time testers at a community-based HIV testing service.
- To inform strategies for enhancing HIV testing accessibility and uptake.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study involving 229 first-time testers at a CB-HTS.
- Data collected via an electronic questionnaire assessing reasons for testing and perceived barriers.
Main Results:
- Fear of testing was the most cited barrier (40%).
- (Non) accessibility of HIV testing services (HTS) was also a significant barrier (24%).
- The primary drivers were the desire to know one's HIV status (41%) and the immediate availability of testing (35%).
Conclusions:
- Addressing psychological barriers like fear is essential for encouraging HIV testing.
- Improving the accessibility of community-based HIV testing services can increase uptake among previously untested populations.
