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Awareness and Attitudes Toward HIV Self-Testing in Northern Thailand
Nardeen Shafik1, Savana Deeb1, Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai2,3
1Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, 800 North State College Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 27, 2021
Summary
Awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus self-testing (HIVST) is low in Northern Thailand. Higher education and less HIV stigma are linked to greater awareness of HIVST, crucial for prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- HIV Prevention
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing is vital for prevention and care.
- HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a new option in Thailand, but user perceptions are unknown.
- Understanding community receptivity is key to successful HIVST implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess awareness and attitudes towards HIVST among adults in Northern Thailand.
- To identify factors associated with HIVST awareness and attitudes.
- To inform public health strategies for HIVST promotion.
Main Methods:
- A 2019 survey of 403 adults in Sanpatong district, Chiang Mai Province.
- Structured questionnaire assessing HIVST awareness and attitudes.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify predictors.
Main Results:
- Low awareness of HIVST (14%) was observed.
- Higher education was associated with increased HIVST awareness (AOR=2.29).
- HIV stigma was associated with decreased HIVST awareness (AOR=0.49).
Conclusions:
- Targeted education is needed to increase HIVST awareness in Northern Thailand.
- Addressing HIV stigma may improve uptake of HIVST.
- Findings can guide local health organizations in tailoring HIVST outreach.
