HIV self-testing: a cross-sectional survey conducted among students at a tertiary institution in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2020

• DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2227
• Publication Date: 2023-04-28T06:46:59Z
• Authors: Hloniphile R. Mth...; Zinhle Makatini; Refilwe Tsukulu; Rumaanah Jeena; Motheo Mutloane; David Giddings; Sifiso Mahlangu; Paballo Likotsi; Liezl Majavie; Tali Druker; Florette Treurnicht
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Tertiary institution; Institution

Background: Despite the growing evidence for reasonable acceptance and willingness to use HIV self-testing (HIVST), South Africa has not yet fully explored HIVST.Objective: This study’s objective was determine knowledge, attitudes, practices HIVST among students aged 18 29 years from University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Methods: An online cross-sectional self-administered survey used collect data 01 January 2020 31 June 2020. Chi-squared test contribution between categorical variables outcomes at a P-value ≤0.05. Logistic regression performed analyze association with 95% confidence interval.Results: A total 227 were included more than half females 68% 20 24 age. Only 15% reported prior access HIVST. Almost all (99%) indicated that they would confirm self-test results if positive. Age group 25-29 (aOR 3.43; CI 1.7-77) associated compared ≤19 24-29 age groups. Conclusions: awareness generally high this study population. Of concern is extremely low number who had previously HIVST, as well those unaware HIVST’s existence. Our findings highlight necessity advocacy in provides information on where how kits can be accessed potentially upscale testing – essential achieving UNAIDS targets towards elimination HIV/AIDS epidemic public health threat.