University Students and AIDS: Evaluation of HIV Self-Testing Acceptability and Willingness

Abstract

Given the high incidence of HIV among youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is critical to better understand the factors influencing HIV testing in this population; this is the first stage in the HIV treatment cascade. To reach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for eradicating AIDS by 2030, 95% of persons living with HIV (PLWHV) should be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed should be on antiretroviral medication (ART), and 95% of those on ART should be virally suppressed. Youth (ages 15-24) are less likely than adults (ages 25-49) to receive HIV testing, and they are disproportionately affected by HIV; in 2018, an estimated one-third of all new infections occurred in the 15-24 age group, with Africa accounting for 73% of new infections among youth. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been found to be an acceptable technique of learning one's HIV status without danger of self or social harm, and may boost the uptake and frequency of testing for teenagers and those who are reluctant to test. The current study therefore, evaluated Kenyan University students' acceptability and willingness towards HIV self-testing (HIVST). The study sampled 250 students from 4 public Universities using simple random sampling method. Data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study concluded that many University students choose HIV self-testing (HIVST) owing to stigma.