“I felt special!”: a qualitative study of peer‐delivered HIV self‐tests, STI self‐sampling kits and PrEP for transgender women in Uganda

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionPeer delivery is a client‐centred approach that could maximize the coverage and impact of HIV services for transgender women (TGW). We conducted qualitative interviews to examine how peer‐delivered HIV self‐testing (HIVST), sexually transmitted infection self‐sampling (STISS) and oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) influenced prevention choices among TGW and their intimate partners in Uganda.MethodsWithin a cluster randomized trial of peer‐delivered HIVST, STISS and PrEP among HIV‐negative TGW (NCT04328025), we conducted 55 qualitative interviews with 30 TGW, 15 intimate partners and 10 TGW peers (August 2021–February 2022). TGW interviews explored: (1) HIV self‐test and PrEP experiences; (2) HIVST with intimate partners; and (3) descriptions of self‐sampling for STI testing. Partner interviews covered: (1) experiences with HIVST; (2) disclosure of HIV status to intimate partner; and (3) descriptions of sexual behaviours after testing. Peer interview topics included: (1) intervention delivery experiences; and (2) recommendations for peer‐delivered HIV prevention services to TGW, including psychological support and coping strategies. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive content analytic approach.ResultsPeer‐delivered combination prevention was valued by this group of TGW and their partners. (1) Peer services extended beyond delivering HIV/STI kits and PrEP refills to caring for individual health and wellbeing by providing stigma coping strategies. Peer psychosocial support empowered research participants to become “HIVST ambassadors,” teach non‐study TGW about self‐testing and PrEP, and encourage linkage to care. (2) HIVST with intimate partners and mutual disclosure of HIV status strengthened partnered relationships. PrEP use after both partners tested HIV negative implied infidelity. (3) Self‐sampling enabled TGW to take control of their STI testing and avoid the embarrassment of exposing their bodies. Privacy and confidentiality motivated the uptake of STI testing and treatment.ConclusionsIn this sample of TGW from Uganda, peer delivery of HIVST, STISS and PrEP refills benefitted individual prevention efforts and extended to a new linkage of TGW not engaged in care. Integrating peer services into differentiated PrEP delivery could increase HIV/STI test coverage and PrEP use in this vulnerable population.