How acceptable is the HIV/AIDS self-testing among women attending immunization clinics in Effurun, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

HIV testing remains the gateway to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support interventions. In Nigeria, a significant proportion of the populations do not know their HIV status. HIV self-testing done without the help of a healthcare provider could remove identified barriers to HIV testing, and close gaps in HIV treatment and prevention cascades. This study set out to assess the knowledge and acceptability of hiv self-testing (HIVST) among women of child bearing age attending immunization clinics in Effurun, Nigeria. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 357 women of child-bearing age selected using multistage sampling technique. Research instrument used was a semi-structured, interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 23.0. Mean age of respondents was 33.6 (±7.3) years. Of the respondents, 286 (80.1%) were aware of HIV self testing, with electronic media followed by the health care workers being the common sources of information. About 83 (23.0%) had good while 274 (76.8%) had poor mean knowledge score of hivST. Two hundred and seventy eight (77.9%) ever thought one could do the HIV test at home by oneself, 306 (86.0%) accepted to conduct the test on themselves if they had the opportunity while 51 (14.0%) said they would not. On binary logistic regression, identified predictors of accepting HIVST among the respondents included being older, being educated, and being married. It was concluded that a high knowledge level and acceptability of HIVST among the study respondents lends support to the fact that that the procedure should be promoted in the stakeholders’ efforts to improve HIV testing among the general population.

Keywords

• HIV Self Testing
• Knowledge
• Acceptability
• Women of Reproductive Age group
• Nigeria