Reducing health disparities: key factors for successful implementation of social network testing with HIV self-tests among men who have sex with men with a non-western migration background in the Netherlands

Improving testing uptake among men who have sex with men with a non-western migration background (MSM-NW) is a public health priority, as people who are unaware of their HIV infection are at higher risk of transmitting HIV and are unable to benefit from HIV treatment. Formative semi-structured interviews with 13 MSM-NW assessed key factors for the successful implementation of social network testing with HIV self-tests (SNT-HIVST). Interviews were thematically analysed. Participants mentioned that SNT-HIVST might overcome barriers to regular HIV testing including; being seen while testing, disc... Mehr ...

Verfasser: PREVENT study group
den Daas, C
Geerken, M B R
de Wit, J
Dokumenttyp: Artikel
Erscheinungsdatum: 2020
Schlagwörter: HIV / social network testing / HIV self-test / migrationbackground / health inequity / Taverne
Sprache: Englisch
Permalink: https://search.fid-benelux.de/Record/base-26836329
Datenquelle: BASE; Originalkatalog
Powered By: BASE
Link(s) : https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/407804

Improving testing uptake among men who have sex with men with a non-western migration background (MSM-NW) is a public health priority, as people who are unaware of their HIV infection are at higher risk of transmitting HIV and are unable to benefit from HIV treatment. Formative semi-structured interviews with 13 MSM-NW assessed key factors for the successful implementation of social network testing with HIV self-tests (SNT-HIVST). Interviews were thematically analysed. Participants mentioned that SNT-HIVST might overcome barriers to regular HIV testing including; being seen while testing, disclosure of sexual identity, and stigma related to HIV and sexual practices. Trust between the HIVST distributer and receiver was important. Finally, SNT-HIVST requires tailored peer support to address practical, informational, and emotional needs. MSM-NW distributing HIVST can have an important role in reducing health disparities in testing uptake among MSM-NW. Provided sufficient trust among MSM-NW; key factors found for successful implementation were education through an e-tool, and establishing quality support by a peer-coordinator for unanticipated questions. In conclusion, HIVST distribution has the potential to reduce health disparities in testing uptake, in particular, if adjusted to MSM-NWs individual preferences and the needs and preferences of the person they are inviting to test.