Training Social Network-Central Fishermen in Western Kenya to Distribute HIV Self-Test Kits and Health Facility Referral Vouchers
Bibliographic Data
Low HIV testing among men, particularly highly mobile fishermen, is a persistent challenge. The Owete study (NCT#04772469) used social network-central men (Promoters) to promote testing and linkage to HIV services among social networks of fishermen in western Kenya. The Promoters and fishermen networks were randomised to intervention or control arms. We describe Owete's interactive training approach and Promoters' training experiences for implementation insights. The 146 Promoters trained (balanced across arms) were highly engaged, eager learners, and supportive of targeted health training sessions for men. Promoters felt the knowledge gained improved their understanding of health matters and elevated their social status. Promoters felt empowered knowing how to interpret self-testing results and how to address pre-exposure prophylaxis use questions and correct misconceptions. Offering capacity building for social network-central men to spearhead campaigns on health issues affecting fishermen can leverage established relationships and trust, expand knowledge, and help increase health-seeking practices among underserved, highly mobile men
Capacity building · Economic growth · Economics · Family medicine · Leverage (statistics · Referral · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Computer Science · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Sex work and related issues
Social Network Analysis
The Uptake and Accuracy of Oral Kits for HIV Self-Testing in High HIV Prevalence Setting
Promoting Partner Testing and Couples Testing through Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Tests
Equity in HIV testing
Men “missing” from population-based HIV testing
HIV/Aids in fishing communities
Transactional sex in the fishing communities along Lake Victoria, Kenya
Men’s comfort in distributing or receiving HIV self-test kits from close male social network members in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Multi-level Determinants of Clinic Attendance and Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Among Fishermen Living with HIV/Aids in Communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda
High Acceptance and Completion of HIV Self-testing Among Diverse Populations of Young People in Kenya Using a Community-Based Distribution Strategy
Transactional Fish-for-Sex Relationships Amid Declining Fish Access in Kenya
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |