Challenges Faced by Users of HIV Self-Test Kits at Mbare Poly Clinic, Harare

Abstract

HIV self-testing (HIVST) was introduced in Zimbabwe by the Ministry of Health and Child Care to increase the uptake and scaling up of HIV testing. HIVST kits are accessed through health centers where individuals get the opportunity to conduct the HIV test on their own as it offers confidentiality, privacy and is very convenient. Despite having many advantages to client, various challenges are still being faced. This paper discusses the challenges being faced by users of HIV self-test kits, a study conducted at Mbare poly clinic, Harare on male and female respondents aged 18 years and above. To help describe these challenges, users’ level of understanding of the HIVST procedure was assessed, HIV results interpretation and how individuals and partners cope with their HIV results was also investigated. A sample size of 68 individuals (82% females and 18% males) took part in the study. A mixed method research (qualitative and quantitative research method) was used for data collection to provide in-depth findings of the challenges. Quantitative method was used to collect demographic data. Qualitative data analysis was done using a six step thematic analysis process involving data familiarization, coding, generation of themes, analysis, reporting and lastly a write up. The main findings of the study were that 50% of respondents conducted repeat HIV tests within three months, during the window period and not after three months as stated in the MoHCC HIV testing algorithm. This suggested that users lacked knowledge on when to have their repeat HIV tests as they missed post HIV counseling. 44% of respondents read their results in less than the 20 minutes stated in the instructions and required to read and interpret HIVST results. This leads to incorrect interpretation of results. Respondents who read results in less than the required time had conducted HIVST alone, while respondents who read their result between the required 20 to 40 minutes conducted the HIVST with the assistance from a HCW. Almost all respondents (99%) report that the HIVST is easy and friendly to use but challenges and errors were being faced by the users, prompting recommendations which may improve the HIV testing process to yield correct results. It is important that the users receive a health education talk about HIV, learn HIVST procedure through demonstration and receive HIV pretest and posttest counseling so that they clearly understand the testing procedure and cope with their HIV results.