Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
ObjectivesTo identify and synthesize the factors influencing the acceptability and uptake of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among Priority Populations (PPs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through a comprehensive scoping review.MethodsUsing Arksey and O'Malley’s framework refined by Levac, we systematica...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Public Health Reviews |
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| Online Access: | https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1608140/full |
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| author | Felix Emeka Anyiam Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya Olanrewaju Oladimeji Olanrewaju Oladimeji |
| author_facet | Felix Emeka Anyiam Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya Olanrewaju Oladimeji Olanrewaju Oladimeji |
| author_sort | Felix Emeka Anyiam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ObjectivesTo identify and synthesize the factors influencing the acceptability and uptake of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among Priority Populations (PPs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through a comprehensive scoping review.MethodsUsing Arksey and O'Malley’s framework refined by Levac, we systematically reviewed the literature on factors affecting HIVST uptake and acceptability among PPs in SSA. The review included searches in six databases (Embase, Medline (via Ovid), PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library), as well as grey literature, including (Google Scholar and OpenGrey), limiting publications to 2010–2023.ResultsThe review found evidence indicating that HIVST is widely accepted and considered convenient among priority groups. Key challenges include limited post-test counseling and linkage to care, which hinder effective implementation. Peer-led and digital distribution strategies show the potential to increase uptake. However, user errors and economic constraints pose significant barriers to scaling HIVST, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these implementation challenges for optimal impact.ConclusionWhile HIVST can boost testing rates among PPs in SSA, overcoming access and utilization barriers is crucial. Interventions addressing economic, educational, and systemic challenges are essential for successful HIVST integration into broader HIV prevention and care efforts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-46fe63defd2c440ebd058b2c8a8482ac |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2107-6952 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Public Health Reviews |
| spelling | doaj-art-46fe63defd2c440ebd058b2c8a8482ac2025-08-20T03:14:59ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Public Health Reviews2107-69522025-04-014610.3389/phrs.2025.16081401608140Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping ReviewFelix Emeka Anyiam0Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya1Olanrewaju Oladimeji2Olanrewaju Oladimeji3Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South AfricaVice-Chancellor and Principal’s Office, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, South AfricaFaculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South AfricaDepartment of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South AfricaObjectivesTo identify and synthesize the factors influencing the acceptability and uptake of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among Priority Populations (PPs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through a comprehensive scoping review.MethodsUsing Arksey and O'Malley’s framework refined by Levac, we systematically reviewed the literature on factors affecting HIVST uptake and acceptability among PPs in SSA. The review included searches in six databases (Embase, Medline (via Ovid), PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library), as well as grey literature, including (Google Scholar and OpenGrey), limiting publications to 2010–2023.ResultsThe review found evidence indicating that HIVST is widely accepted and considered convenient among priority groups. Key challenges include limited post-test counseling and linkage to care, which hinder effective implementation. Peer-led and digital distribution strategies show the potential to increase uptake. However, user errors and economic constraints pose significant barriers to scaling HIVST, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these implementation challenges for optimal impact.ConclusionWhile HIVST can boost testing rates among PPs in SSA, overcoming access and utilization barriers is crucial. Interventions addressing economic, educational, and systemic challenges are essential for successful HIVST integration into broader HIV prevention and care efforts.https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1608140/fullHIV self-testingbarriersacceptabilitypriority populationsSub-Saharan Africa |
| spellingShingle | Felix Emeka Anyiam Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya Olanrewaju Oladimeji Olanrewaju Oladimeji Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Public Health Reviews HIV self-testing barriers acceptability priority populations Sub-Saharan Africa |
| title | Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review |
| title_full | Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review |
| title_fullStr | Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review |
| title_short | Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review |
| title_sort | factors influencing the acceptability and uptake of hiv self testing among priority populations in sub saharan africa a scoping review |
| topic | HIV self-testing barriers acceptability priority populations Sub-Saharan Africa |
| url | https://www.ssph-journal.org/articles/10.3389/phrs.2025.1608140/full |
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