Family-Based Index testing for HIV; a qualitative study of acceptance, barriers/challenges and facilitators among clients in Cape Coast, Ghana

Bibliographic Data

ID19442964
AuthorsEvelyn Asamoah Ampofo (0000-0002-6135-5388, University of Cape Coast, corresponding author), Isaac Tetteh Commey (0000-0003-4538-0214, University of Cape Coast), Isaac Commey Tetteh (University of Cape Coast), Raphael Adu-Gyamfi (0000-0002-0902-4768, Approches contemporaines de la création et de la réflexion artistiques), Nancy Innocentia Ebu Enyan (0000-0002-3279-5800, University of Cape Coast), Elizabeth Agyare (0000-0002-1696-474X, Clinical Microbiology/Public Health Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana), Stephen Ayisi Addo (0000-0003-0472-2281, Approches contemporaines de la création et de la réflexion artistiques), Dorcas Obiri‐Yeboah (0000-0003-4562-9294, University of Cape Coast), Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah (Clinical Microbiology/Public Health Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana)
Year2022
Volume34
Issue7
Pages856-861
Publication date2022-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2021.1981818
PMID34554887
OpenAlexW3199891131
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited24

Family-based Index HIV Testing, (FBIT) approach is known to be associated with a relatively higher testing yield compared to Provider-Initiated Testing and Counselling. The implementation of this strategy in several countries has exposed some barriers to optimal FBIT outcomes. With the scale up of FBIT in Ghana, stakeholder engagement is key in identifying and addressing barriers to implementation. This study explored acceptance, barriers/challenges and facilitators of FBIT. Seventeen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted among clients who had been offered FBIT at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's [(2006)] thematic analysis framework and found that (1) participants accepted the strategy and were willing to use it; (2) lack of awareness of the strategy among the general public, fear of disclosure/stigmatization, issues with confidentiality and privacy are barriers/challenges associated with the FBIT approach, and (3) increasing public education on HIV in general and FBIT in particular, ensuring confidentiality and privacy regarding testing are facilitators for increasing uptake of FBIT. It is concluded that despite acceptance of FBIT as a good strategy among index clients, general HIV education to reduce stigma and addressing confidentiality can optimize uptake

Archaeology · Cape · Developing country · Economic growth · Family medicine · Geography · World Wide Web · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Computer Science · HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology