Motivations for testing and linkage to HIV services following HIV self-testing among fishermen in Kenya
A qualitative analysis
Bibliographic Data
HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising strategy to expand testing access for hard-to-reach populations such as Kenyan fishermen. We examined motivations and barriers to HIVST use and linkage to HIV prevention and treatment services (including PrEP or ART), within a social network-based intervention (NCT04772469). We conducted interviews (N = 64) and focus group discussions (N = 4) with fishermen in Siaya County, including 30 “promoters” who distributed HIVST kits and transportation vouchers within their social networks. Transcribed interviews were coded using framework analysis with a mixed inductive–deductive codebook. Convenience, privacy and avoidance of stigma motivated HIVST uptake. Men perceiving themselves at high HIV risk were especially motivated to test, while some preferred clinic-based testing for counseling and perceived accuracy. Promoter training increased personal and peer testing motivation. Confirmatory testing was facilitated by perceived HIV risk, PrEP interest, spousal encouragement and transport vouchers offsetting travel costs. Barriers included distance to clinics, competing work priorities, mobility and the perception that confirmatory testing was unnecessary after a negative result. Gender norms prioritizing work over healthcare further impeded linkage. HIVST is a valuable tool for increasing testing among highly mobile men and its impact can be strengthened through social network-based delivery
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Linkage (software) · Perception · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Stigma (botany) · Trustworthiness · Voucher · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV Research and Treatment · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
Social Networks and Health
Social Network Assessments and Interventions for Health Behavior Change
Examining the effects of HIV self‐testing compared to standard HIV testing services
Procrastination, Deadlines, and Performance
Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research
Coming Up Short
Saturation in qualitative research
Misconceptions and limited experience with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among fishermen in Western Kenya
Formative research to inform the development of a peer-led HIV self-testing intervention to improve HIV testing uptake and linkage to HIV care among adolescents, young people and adult men in Kasensero fishing community, Rakai, Uganda
There is no need to leave the beach to test”
The Intersection of Inequitable Gender Norm Endorsement and HIV Stigma
Multi-level Determinants of Clinic Attendance and Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Among Fishermen Living with HIV/Aids in Communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda
Masculinity and engagement in HIV care among male fisherfolk on HIV treatment in Uganda
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