Enablers and barriers to effective HIV self-testing in the private sector among sexually active youths in Nigeria: A qualitative study using journey map methodology

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285003
• Publication Date: 2023-04-27T17:47:40Z
• Authors: Dennis Aizobu; Yusuf H. Wada; Jennifer Anyanti; Godpower Omoregie; Boluwatife Adesina; Serah Malaba; Morghan Kabeer; Samuel Oyegunle; Akudo Ikpeazu; Omokhudu Idogho
• Keywords: Exploratory research; Qualitative property

Background HIV is a public health burden in Nigeria. self-testing one of the approaches to testing, which first 95:95:95 cascade coherent response epidemic. The ability self-test influenced by various factors that can either serve as enablers or barriers. Exploring these and barriers uptake HIVST will help achieve optimal provide deeper understanding kits users’ journey. Objective purpose study was identify among sexually active youth Nigeria using journey map methodology. Methods We conducted qualitative exploratory between January 2021 October understand for taking up private delivery systems include pharmacies PPMVs. 80 youths Lagos, Anambra Kano states were interviewed IDIs in-person FGDs. Their responses audio-recorded, transcribed analyzed software package (Nvivo software). Results A effectively sector key at attract, purchase, use, confirmation, linkage, reporting stage developed. major participants privacy confidentiality, bundling purchases with other products, easy-to-use instructions, past experience kits. fear discrimination, big packaging, high price, lack confidence from user error status disclosure. Conclusions Sexually young people’s perspectives enhance our through sector. Optimizing such improved confidentiality may be seen e-pharmacy, reducing factoring market towards ensuring sustainability accelerating progress 95-95-95 targets.