Reducing health disparities: key factors for successful implementation of social network testing with HIV self-tests among men who have sex with men with a non-western migration background in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT

Improving testing uptake among men who have sex with men with a non-western migration background (MSM-NW) is a public health priority, as people who are unaware of their HIV infection are at higher risk of transmitting HIV and are unable to benefit from HIV treatment. Formative semi-structured interviews with 13 MSM-NW assessed key factors for the successful implementation of social network testing with HIV self-tests (SNT-HIVST). Interviews were thematically analysed. Participants mentioned that SNT-HIVST might overcome barriers to regular HIV testing including; being seen while testing, disclosure of sexual identity, and stigma related to HIV and sexual practices. Trust between the HIVST distributer and receiver was important. Finally, SNT-HIVST requires tailored peer support to address practical, informational, and emotional needs. MSM-NW distributing HIVST can have an important role in reducing health disparities in testing uptake among MSM-NW. Provided sufficient trust among MSM-NW; key factors found for successful implementation were education through an e-tool, and establishing quality support by a peer-coordinator for unanticipated questions. In conclusion, HIVST distribution has the potential to reduce health disparities in testing uptake, in particular, if adjusted to MSM-NWs individual preferences and the needs and preferences of the person they are inviting to test.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• social network testing
• HIV self-test
• migration background
• health inequity

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the 13 participants who generously shared their experiences. Furthermore, the authors would like to thank all people who assisted with the recruitment of participants, especially Liesbeth Vasen (PHS Rotterdam-Rijnmond), Bart-Jan Mulder (PHS Amsterdam), Kees de Jong (PHS Amsterdam), Sjaak van der Kolk (P&G292 Amsterdam), and Fayaaz Joemmanbaks (Soa Aids Nederland).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The PREVENT study is funded with a grant from “Stichting Aids Fonds” grant P-22603.