Acceptability of a tablet-based application to support early HIV testing among men in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

A mixed method study

Bibliographic Data

ID19440411
AuthorsOluwafemi Adeagbo (0000-0003-1462-9275, Africa Health Research Institute, corresponding author), Hae‐young Kim (0000-0002-5124-1555, Africa Health Research Institute), Frank Tanser (0000-0001-9797-0000, Africa Health Research Institute), Sibongiseni Xulu (0000-0003-1684-7946, Africa Health Research Institute), Nondumiso Dlamini (0000-0002-0000-324X, Africa Health Research Institute), Velaphi Gumede (0000-0001-5424-6258, Africa Health Research Institute), Thulile Mathenjwa (0000-0003-2436-9972, Africa Health Research Institute), Till Bärnighausen (0000-0002-4182-4212, Africa Health Research Institute), Nicky Mcgrath (0000-0002-1039-0159, Africa Health Research Institute), Ann Blandford (0000-0002-3198-7122, University College London), Janet Seeley (0000-0002-0583-5272, Africa Health Research Institute), M Shahmanesh (0000-0001-7129-8535, Africa Health Research Institute)
Year2021
Volume33
Issue4
Pages494-501
Publication date2021-04-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2020.1742867
PMID32172596
OpenAlexW3012143542
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited33

Uptake of HIV testing remains low among men in South Africa. As part of a trial, we assessed the acceptability of a theoretically derived and adapted tablet-based-application (EPIC-HIV1) in rural South Africa. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with men aged ≥18 years and offered a tablet-based survey to all men aged ≥15 years who received EPIC-HIV1 (Sep-Dec 2018). We conducted a descriptive analysis of the survey and used Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to guide our thematic analysis. A total of 232/307 (75%) completed the survey, 55% of whom were aged 15–24 years. 96%[ CI: 92.8–98.2%; n = 223] found EPIC-HIV1 acceptable and 77% [95% CI: 71.8–82.6%; n = 179] found it user-friendly. 222 [96%] reported that EPIC-HIV1 motivated them to test; 83% (192/232) tested for HIV, of which 33% (64/192) were first time testers. Those who did not consent (n = 40) were more likely to have had an HIV-positive test result. Participants reported that the app boosted their confidence to test. However, they were unsure that the app would help them overcome barriers to test in local clinics. Given reach and usability, an adapted SDT male-tailored app was found to be acceptable and could encourage positive health-seeking behavioural change among men

Family medicine · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Psychology