Interventions to improve young men’s utilisation of HIV-testing services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: perspectives of young men and health care providers
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Date
2023
Authors
Ndlovu, Sithembiso
Ross, Andrew
Mulondo, Mutshidzi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: HIV-testing services (HTS) are an important point of entry to prevention and treatment of HIV in South Africa. Despite the availability of HTS across the region and in SA, the uptake among men remains low, especially young men residing in rural and peri-urban communities. This study aimed to explore interventions that could improve the uptake of HTS among young men in KwaZulu-Natal.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study was conducted in which 17 young men and two health care providers in Ladysmith were purposively and conveniently sampled. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using WhatsApp and landline audio calls between September and December 2021 and thematically analysed.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: An improvement in the health care provider attitudes and service delivery, establishment of adherence clubs for young people living with HIV, ensuring a diverse and balanced health care provider staff composition at primary health care facilities, and increased demand creation in spaces frequented by men are vital for enhancing access and utilisation of HTS among young men. Additionally, health care providers believe that the presence of male health care providers, investment in health education, prioritising men in the morning at the primary health care facilities, and the establishment of male clinics within communities as key factors in improving the uptake of HTS among young men.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: To attract and retain young men in HTS and in HIV treatment and care, several improvements at primary health care facilities need to be implemented. These should focus on addressing the specific needs and preferences of young men, ensuring their comfort and engagement in health care.
Description
Keywords
HIV-testing services, HIV prevention, men, knowledge, rural, peri-urban
Citation
Ndlovu, S., Ross, A., & Mulondo, M. (2023). Interventions to improve young men’s utilisation of HIV-testing services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: perspectives of young men and health care providers. African Journal of AIDS Research, 22(4), 316-326. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2023.2276897