Acceptability and correlates of HIV self-testing among university students in northern Nigeria

Iliyasu, Zubairu; Kassim, Radeeyah B; Iliyasu, Bilkisu Z; Amole, Taiwo G.; Nass, Nafisa S; Marryshow, Salisha E; Aliyu, Muktar H.

doi:10.1177/0956462420920136

Cited by 24 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…In Nigeria, the country in West Africa worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (18), the concept of individuals having access to technologies for self-testing for infectious diseases is not new. The acceptability of HIV self-testing is high (19)(20)(21), although its use is not yet widespread, and so is the acceptability of malaria self-testing by the general public (22) and healthcare workers (23). Access to SARS-CoV-2 self-testing kits may help increase the prompt detection of infection in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases and improve the currently low rate of COVID-19 testing in the country (24).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 self-testing in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ opinions and perspective on its value for case detection

Undelikwo

Shilton

Foláyan

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background COVID-19 testing coverage is limited in Nigeria. Access to SARS-CoV-2 self-testing kits may help improve the detection of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases and increase the currently low rate of COVID-19 testing in the country. Before implementing SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Nigeria, it is imperative to assess the populations perceptions regarding this innovation. We therefore conducted a qualitative study to investigate peoples values and preferences for SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Nigeria. Methods We used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions among healthcare workers, community representatives, and public health implementors to explore values and perceptions around various aspects of COVID-19 testing, including conventional COVID-19 testing, SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, the safe and effective use of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, actions upon receiving a positive SARS-CoV-2 self-test result, and future prospects for SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. Results Respondents reported that there is limited availability of conventional SARS-CoV-2 testing in Nigeria. While just a few respondents were familiar with SARS-CoV-2 testing, respondents generally supported the use of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing as they felt it could assist with early case detection and improve access to testing. Concerns relating to the use of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing were majorly about the ability among low literacy populations to use and interpret the test, the affordability of tests, equity of access, and the availability of healthcare system support for those who test positive. Conclusion Though the public perceive multiple benefits associated with access to SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, the efficiency of the national health service delivery system may limit access of the users of the kits to psychosocial and clinical support. In Nigeria, where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is low and the risk of further waves of COVID-19 is high, self-testing may assist in the prompt detection of cases and contribute to halting the spread of the virus.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 self-testing in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ opinions and perspective on its value for case detection

Undelikwo

Shilton

Foláyan

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…We found that one-in-five female students had ever used HIVST, which is higher than the 9% reported among Nigerian university students [ 20 ]. Students from Uganda were assessed at least 2 years after those in Nigeria, and because HIVST is being scaled-up in sub-Saharan Africa, Ugandan students in this study may have had better access to HIVST.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

“…Notably, HIV testing among female university students was below the national average for AGYW (92% for older AGYW) in Uganda [ 8 ]. HIVST can bridge the gaps in HIV testing because it is highly acceptable to AGYW [ 14 , 20 ]. Additionally, HIVST is crucial in reaching key populations and their partners, especially when access to health facilities is constrained, as was the case of COVID-19 lockdown [ 21 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors associated with HIV self-testing among female university students in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

et al. 2022

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Background Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at institutions of higher learning are at high risk of HIV, and conventional HIV testing services may not reach them sufficiently. HIV self-testing (HIVST) scalability can be informed by identifying AGYW who have used or are interested in using HIVST. We aimed to determine factors associated with use and willingness to use HIVST among female university students. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 483 female students at Makerere University, Uganda. Proportions of students who have used or are willing to use HIVST and their associated factors were determined. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The median age of the participants was 22 (Interquartile range [IQR] 21–23) years, and 21% had never tested for HIV. Over 93% were willing to utilize HIVST, and 19% had ever used HIV self-test kits. Increasing age (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.23 per year, 95% CI 1.07–1.43) was significantly associated with HIVST use. Predictors of willingness to self-test for HIV were college type (arts vs. science-based, aPR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.97), number of sexual partners (one, aPR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.12 or ≥ 2, aPR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.19, vs. none), alcohol (aPR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.09) or injection drug (aPR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.09) use, a history of sexually transmitted infections in past 12 months (aPR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.09), and HIV testing experience (tested in past 12 months, aPR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.22 or over 12 months, aPR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.24, vs. never tested). Conclusion HIVST was highly acceptable despite its limited use. This study demonstrates female student characteristics that can be leveraged to scale up HIVST programs in higher institutions of learning.

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“…44,45 In a study by Iliyasu et al 2020, a higher uptake of HIV self-testing was observed compared to other testing strategies among university students in Nigeria. 46 Self-testing may avoid stigmatization, but positive results need to be linked to care.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The epidemiology of delayed HIV diagnosis in Ibadan, Nigeria

et al. 2022

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Background Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) is one of the major health burdens in Nigeria. Delayed HIV diagnosis remains a significant driver of HIV transmission. The risk factors of delayed HIV diagnosis have not been widely studied in Nigeria. This observational study examined demographic risk factors for delayed HIV diagnosis and the trends in the annual total cases of delayed HIV diagnosis in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods We examined the data on HIV patients enrolled in care at the University College Hospital’s Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria. Delayed HIV diagnosis was defined as a Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count of less than 350 cells/mm³ at the time of diagnosis. The association between delayed HIV diagnosis and risk factors was analyzed using logistic regression. The trends in the annual total cases of delayed HIV diagnosis over time were examined. Results This study included 3458 HIV patients. There were 1993/3458 prevalent cases of delayed HIV diagnosis (57.6%). The risk factors for delayed HIV diagnosis were older age, retirement, marriage separation, never married, and widowed female. The factors that were significantly associated with a low risk of delayed HIV diagnosis were student and tertiary education. There was a progressive decline in the annual cases of delayed HIV diagnosis. Conclusions Although the cases of delayed HIV diagnosis are still high, they are declining. Human immunodeficiency virus testing should be targeted at populations at risk of delayed diagnosis. Considerable public awareness and education programs about HIV testing may significantly reduce delayed HIV diagnosis in Nigeria.

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Acceptability and correlates of HIV self-testing among university students in northern Nigeria

Cited by 24 publications

References 42 publications

COVID-19 self-testing in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ opinions and perspective on its value for case detection

COVID-19 self-testing in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ opinions and perspective on its value for case detection

Factors associated with HIV self-testing among female university students in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

The epidemiology of delayed HIV diagnosis in Ibadan, Nigeria

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