Department of Family Medicine, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
Department of Family Medicine, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Ann Fam Med. 2024 Nov-Dec;22(6):502-508. doi: 10.1370/afm.3169.
Infection with HIV remains a global health challenge, with >36.9 million individuals living with HIV in 2017. Despite efforts to increase HIV testing and treatment, traditional services have not effectively reached marginalized communities. The use of HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers a discreet and accessible alternative, potentially improving testing rates among at-risk populations including university students in Kenya.
We performed a cross-sectional analytical study using a multistage cluster sampling technique among undergraduate students at Kenyatta University. Clusters from various academic departments were randomly selected, and individual students were chosen for participation. Ethical approval was obtained from the Kenyatta University Ethics Review Committee and the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation. Participants were informed of the study's aims and their right to withdraw at any time. We collected data via questionnaires administered by trained enumerators.
Participants' age averaged 21.1 years, with a majority being single, female, and full-time students. Substantial HIV knowledge was observed, and nearly one-half were aware of preexposure prophylaxis. Facility-based testing was prevalent, with significant preference for the OraQuick self-test kit among those who self-tested. Fear of positive results and stigma were primary barriers, whereas motivations for self-testing included routine use and protecting loved ones. Media exposure, especially the "Chukua Selfie" campaign, correlated with greater HIVST usage.
This study highlights the importance of school-based interventions and the critical role of academic institution support in HIV prevention. Participants' substantial knowledge of HIV contrasts with findings from other regions, underscoring the need for targeted education and safe-sex promotion. Addressing fear and stigma via comprehensive interventions is essential for improving HIVST uptake. Integrating HIVST into existing prevention programs can enhance HIV care frameworks in East Africa. Strategies to destigmatize HIV, ensure privacy in testing, and address misconceptions are vital for improving health outcomes among young individuals. Continuous efforts to strengthen self-testing programs are crucial to achieving global HIV targets.
艾滋病毒感染仍然是一个全球性的健康挑战，2017 年全球有超过 3690 万人感染艾滋病毒。尽管努力增加艾滋病毒检测和治疗，但传统服务并未有效覆盖边缘化社区。艾滋病毒自我检测（HIVST）提供了一种隐蔽且易于获得的替代方法，有可能提高包括肯尼亚大学生在内的高危人群的检测率。
我们在肯尼亚内罗毕大学的本科生中使用多阶段聚类抽样技术进行了一项横断面分析研究。从各个学术部门中随机选择聚类，然后选择个别学生参与。该研究获得了肯尼亚大学伦理审查委员会和国家科学、技术和创新委员会的伦理批准。告知了参与者研究的目的以及他们随时退出的权利。我们通过经过培训的普查员管理的问卷收集数据。
参与者的平均年龄为 21.1 岁，大多数是单身、女性和全日制学生。观察到他们具有丰富的艾滋病毒知识，将近一半的人了解暴露前预防。以机构为基础的检测很普遍，在那些自我检测的人中，有显著的偏好选择 OraQuick 自我检测试剂盒。对阳性结果的恐惧和污名化是主要障碍，而自我检测的动机包括常规使用和保护亲人。媒体曝光，特别是“Chukua Selfie”运动，与更大比例的 HIVST 使用相关。
本研究强调了基于学校的干预措施的重要性以及学术机构支持在艾滋病毒预防中的关键作用。参与者对艾滋病毒的丰富知识与其他地区的发现形成鲜明对比，突出了需要有针对性的教育和安全性行为宣传。通过全面干预来解决恐惧和污名化问题对于提高 HIVST 的采用率至关重要。将 HIVST 纳入现有的预防计划可以加强东非的艾滋病毒护理框架。消除艾滋病毒污名化、确保检测隐私和解决误解的策略对于改善年轻人的健康结果至关重要。持续努力加强自我检测计划对于实现全球艾滋病毒目标至关重要。
