“There is no fear in me … well, that little fear is there”

Dualistic views towards HIV testing among South African adolescent girls and young women

Dados Bibliográficos

ID17798811
AutoresZoe Duby (0000-0001-7615-8152, South African Medical Research Council, autor correspondente), Kim Jonas (0000-0002-4469-6674, University of Cape Town), Tracy McClinton Appollis (0000-0002-3982-4555, South African Medical Research Council), Kealeboga Maruping (South African Medical Research Council), Janan Dietrich (0000-0002-1949-3138, South African Medical Research Council), Lieve Vanleeuw (0000-0002-9012-3308, South African Medical Research Council), Catherine Mathews (0000-0001-5368-1127, South African Medical Research Council)
Ano2020
Volume19
Fascículo3
Páginas214-221
Data de publicação2020-07-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAfrican Journal of AIDS Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1608-5906 • E-ISSN: 1727-9445
EditoraTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.2989/16085906.2020.1799232
PMID32892703
OpenAlexW3083835868
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas7
Referências citadas28

In spite of the high HIV burden and high prevalence and incidence of HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa, uptake of HIV testing in this population falls short of the UNIADS 90-90-90 targets, leading to late diagnosis, late entry into HIV care and treatment, and poor uptake of prevention services. There is a critical need to update and deepen our understanding of attitudes towards testing in this population, in order to appropriately respond to their specific needs. This article reports on findings from an exploration of perceptions of HIV testing and testing behaviour amongst AGYW in South Africa using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. Analysis included data on testing behaviour and reasons for never testing from a survey conducted with 4 399 AGYW aged 15-24 years in six provinces. Combined with survey data is qualitative analysis from 63 in-depth interviews and 24 focus group discussions with 237 AGYW from five provinces. Findings revealed complex, dualistic and often contradictory views towards HIV testing in this population, with fear of HIV and the consequences of testing positive existing alongside a lack of concern towards HIV infection because of the availability and accessibility of antiretrovirals. These findings can help to address barriers to HIV testing in this population and ensure appropriateness of future interventions and HIV messaging

Developmental psychology · Family medicine · Psychiatry · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · Gender Studies · HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology