HIV self-testing in Nigeria: Public opinions and perspectives

Abstract

Nigeria views the HIV self-test (HIVST) as a possible mechanism to help increase HIV testing uptake and capture otherwise undiagnosed HIV cases. The purpose of this survey was to obtain perspectives of informed members of the Nigerian public on the use of the HIVST. A convenience sample of 1712 researchers, academics, journalists, community advocates, activists and HIV policy-makers and programmers including those working in the development sectors enlisted on the New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society listserv were sent a brief survey. Respondents were asked to provide a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to an enquiry if they support the introduction of HIVST into Nigeria. Reasons for their response were also recorded. Information was collected anonymously with no identifiers. Only 157 (9.2%) provided a response. While the majority (54.8%) supported the introduction of HIVST, a significant number of respondents were concerned about possible risk associated with self-testing, especially suicide and partner violence. Others were concerned about poor linkages to care. Introduction of HIVST would need to be paired with intense media campaigns and education about its use. Once Nigeria commences HIVST, efforts should also focus on approaches to reach people in hard to reach areas of the country.

Keywords:

• HIV
• self-test kit
• Nigeria
• test results
• introduction

Acknowledgements

The authors will like to acknowledge and thank all the respondents who took time out to take the polls, share their opinion and perspectives as well as complete the questionnaire. These efforts are acknowledged. The need for the survey was the opinion of Mr. Simon Cartier of FHI360. The initial outcome of the study informed his contributions at the first International Symposium on Self-Testing for HIV, which was held on the 8th and 9th of April 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland. NHVMAS duly acknowledges that the report of that meeting was generously used to develop this document. Thanks to Ms. Sandra Perez, CAO of GHREAT for editorial assistance.