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- Title
Perceptions of HIV Self-Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: A Qualitative Analysis.
- Authors
Freeman, Arin E.; Sullivan, Patrick; Higa, Darrel; Sharma, Akshay; MacGowan, Robin; Hirshfield, Sabina; Greene, George J.; Gravens, Laura; Chavez, Pollyanna; McNaghten, A. D.; Johnson, Wayne D.; Mustanski, Brian
- Abstract
HIV testing is the gateway into both prevention and treatment services. It is important to understand how men who have sex with men (MSM) perceive HIV self-tests. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews to collect feedback on two HIV self-tests, and on a dried blood spot (DBS) specimen collection kit. Perceptions and attitudes around HIV self-testing (HIVST), and willingness to distribute HIV self-tests to others were assessed. MSM reported HIVST to be complementary to facility-based testing, and liked this approach because it offers privacy and convenience, does not require counseling, and could lead to linkage to care. However, they also had concerns around the accuracy of HIV self-tests, their cost, and receiving a positive test result without immediate access to follow-up services. Despite these issues, they perceived HIVST as a positive addition to their HIV prevention toolbox.
- Subjects
UNITED States; HIV prevention; FOCUS groups; INTERVIEWING; MEDICAL ethics; PRIVACY; HEALTH self-care; QUALITATIVE research; MEN who have sex with men; PATIENTS' attitudes; SELF diagnosis
- Publication
AIDS Education & Prevention, 2018, Vol 30, Issue 1, p47
- ISSN
0899-9546
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1521/aeap.2018.30.1.47