Wang Qianyun, Lu Ying, Ni Yuxin, Yan Xumeng, Tan Rayner Kay Jin, Wu Dan, Tucker Joseph D, Ong Jason J, Tang Weiming
Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China; and Department of Social Welfare, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China.
Sex Health. 2025 May;22. doi: 10.1071/SH24116.
Background Human immunodeficiency virus self-testing (HIVST) has been globally recognized as a useful and reliable strategy to promote HIV testing, especially among marginalized populations. To improve the understanding of HIVST uptake of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in China, this study aims to qualitatively explore the HIVST uptake experiences among this population. Methods The study employed photovoice methodology, theoretically built on documentary photography and critical consciousness, to explore the experiences of HIVST and secondary distribution among GBMSM in China. Participants created photos and citations, and shared and discussed them in the group. Three focus groups and one follow-up interview were held virtually for each participant who self-identified as gay or bisexual and used a self-test kit before. Results This program recruited 22 participants from throughout China. The findings revealed that perceived discrimination based on sexual minority identity, and HIV-related stigma and fear affected participants' decision to take HIVST and to pass HIVST kits on to others. Participants utilized HIVST on a routine basis, citing sexual health concerns, psychological comfort and a responsibility to their significant others as reasons for doing so. HIVST kit distribution within intimacy, and the significant role of GBMSM-led community-based organizations were found as characteristics of interactions between participants and those who they passed HIVST kit(s) on to. Conclusion In the study, images and narratives were acquired through empowering GBMSM, and promoting their community engagement to underline the necessity for measures and policies on promoting HIVST among this population. Findings also entailed the need to create a more inclusive society for sexual minorities and people living with HIV. Implications for promoting HIVST secondary distribution, and limitations and strengths of the pioneer photovoice study among GBMSM in China were also listed.
背景 人类免疫缺陷病毒自我检测（HIVST）已在全球范围内被公认为是促进HIV检测的一种有用且可靠的策略，尤其是在边缘化人群中。为了更好地了解中国男同性恋、双性恋和其他男男性行为者（GBMSM）对HIVST的接受情况，本研究旨在定性探索该人群对HIVST的接受体验。方法 本研究采用摄影叙事法，该方法理论上基于纪实摄影和批判意识，以探索中国GBMSM对HIVST及二次分发的体验。参与者创作照片和文字说明，并在小组中分享和讨论。对每位自认为是同性恋或双性恋且之前使用过自我检测试剂盒的参与者进行了3次虚拟焦点小组讨论和1次后续访谈。结果 该项目从中国各地招募了22名参与者。研究结果显示，基于性少数群体身份的感知歧视以及与HIV相关的耻辱感和恐惧影响了参与者进行HIVST检测以及将HIVST试剂盒传递给他人的决定。参与者将HIVST作为日常检测手段，称进行检测的原因包括对性健康的担忧、心理安慰以及对重要他人的责任。在亲密关系中分发HIVST试剂盒，以及GBMSM主导的社区组织发挥的重要作用，是参与者与他们传递HIVST试剂盒的对象之间互动的特点。结论 在本研究中，通过赋予GBMSM权力并促进他们的社区参与来获取图像和叙事，以强调针对该人群促进HIVST检测的措施和政策的必要性。研究结果还表明需要为性少数群体和HIV感染者创造一个更具包容性的社会。还列出了对促进HIVST二次分发的启示，以及中国GBMSM中开创性摄影叙事研究的局限性和优势。
