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. 2023 Jan;72(1):118-125.
doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.09.004. Epub 2022 Oct 12.

On Campus HIV Self-Testing Distribution at Tertiary Level Colleges in Zimbabwe Increases Access to HIV Testing for Youth

Grace McHugh  1 , Andrea Koris  2 , Victoria Simms  3 , Tsitsi Bandason  1 , Lovemore Sigwadhi  1 , Getrude Ncube  4 , Shungu Munyati  1 , Katharina Kranzer  5 , Rashida A Ferrand  6
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On Campus HIV Self-Testing Distribution at Tertiary Level Colleges in Zimbabwe Increases Access to HIV Testing for Youth

Grace McHugh et al. J Adolesc Health. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Purpose: HIV self-testing allows youth to access testing outside of healthcare facilities. We investigated the feasibility of peer distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits to youth aged 16-24 years and examined the factors associated with testing off-site rather than at distribution points.

Methods: From July 2019 to March 2020, HIVST kits were distributed on 12 tertiary education campuses throughout Zimbabwe. Participants chose to test at the HIVST distribution point or off-site. Factors associated with choosing to test off-site and factors associated with reporting a self-test result for those who tested off-site were investigated using logistic regression.

Results: In total, 5,351 participants received an HIVST kit, over 129 days, of whom 3,319 (62%) tested off-site. The median age of recipients was 21 years (interquartile range 20-23); 64% were female. Overall, 2,933 (55%) returned results, 23 (1%) of which were reactive. Being female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.31), living on campus (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.09-1.40), used a condom at last sex (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.26-1.65), and previous knowledge of HIVST (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09-1.37) were associated with off-site testing. Attending a vocational college and teachers training college compared to a university was associated with choosing to return results for those who tested off-site (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.65-3.48, p < .001).

Discussion: HIVST distribution is an effective method of reaching a large number of youth over a short period of time. Efforts to increase awareness and roll out of HIVST on campuses should be coupled with support for linkage to HIV prevention and treatment services.

Keywords: HIV self-test; Tertiary educational institutions; Youth.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: The authors have no financial relationships to disclose, or potential conflicts, real and perceived, relevant to this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Study site locations in Zimbabwe.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Flow diagram of recruitment, testing, and linkage to care.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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