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On Campus HIV Self-Testing Distribution at Tertiary Level Colleges in Zimbabwe Increases Access to HIV Testing for Youth

PURPOSE: HIV self-testing allows youth to access testing outside of healthcare facilities. We investigated the feasibility of peer distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits to youth aged 16–24 years and examined the factors associated with testing off-site rather than at distribution points. MET...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: McHugh, Grace, Koris, Andrea, Simms, Victoria, Bandason, Tsitsi, Sigwadhi, Lovemore, Ncube, Getrude, Munyati, Shungu, Kranzer, Katharina, Ferrand, Rashida A.
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: 2023
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7614942/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36243558
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.09.004
Descripción
Sumario:PURPOSE: HIV self-testing allows youth to access testing outside of healthcare facilities. We investigated the feasibility of peer distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits to youth aged 16–24 years and examined the factors associated with testing off-site rather than at distribution points. METHODS: From July 2019 to March 2020, HIVST kits were distributed on 12 tertiary education campuses throughout Zimbabwe. Participants chose to test at the HIVST distribution point or off-site. Factors associated with choosing to test off-site and factors associated with reporting a self-test result for those who tested off-site were investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 5,351 participants received an HIVST kit, over 129 days, of whom 3,319 (62%) tested off-site. The median age of recipients was 21 years (interquartile range 20–23); 64% were female. Overall, 2,933 (55%) returned results, 23 (1%) of which were reactive. Being female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.31), living on campus (aOR 1.24, 95% C11.09–1.40), used a condom at last sex (aOR 1.44, 95% C11.26–1.65), and previous knowledge of HIVST (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.37) were associated with off-site testing. Attending a vocational college and teachers training college compared to a university was associated with choosing to return results for those who tested off-site (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.65–3.48, p < .001). DISCUSSION: HIVST distribution is an effective method of reaching a large number of youth over a short period of time. Efforts to increase awareness and roll out of HIVST on campuses should be coupled with support for linkage to HIV prevention and treatment services.