HIV testing experiences in Nairobi slums: the good, the bad and the ugly

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dc.contributor.author Wekesa, Eliud
dc.date.accessioned 2019-12-05T07:34:30Z
dc.date.available 2019-12-05T07:34:30Z
dc.date.issued 2019
dc.identifier.citation BMC Public Health, December 2019 en_US
dc.identifier.issn 1471-2458
dc.identifier.uri https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186%2Fs12889-019-7975-7.pdf
dc.identifier.uri http://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5581
dc.description DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7975-7 en_US
dc.description.abstract Background HIV testing is an integral component of HIV prevention, treatment and care and, therefore, is crucial in achieving UNAIDS 90–90-90 targets. HIV testing in Kenya follows both the voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and provider initiated testing and counselling (PITC) models. However, little is known about the individual experiences of undergoing an HIV test in the two testing models. This study provides experiential evidence of undergoing an HIV test in a resource poor urban slum setting. Methods The study explored testing experiences and challenges faced in respect to ensuring the 3 Cs (consent, counselling and confidentiality), using in-depth interviews (N = 41) with HIV-infected men and women in two slum settlements of Nairobi City. The in-depth interview respondents were aged above 18 years with 56% being females. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and then translated into English. The transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis method. Results The respondent HIV-testing experiences were varied and greatly shaped by circumstances and motivation for HIV testing. The findings show both positive and negative experiences, with sporadic adherence to the 3Cs principle in both HIV testing models. Although some respondents were satisfied with the HIV testing process, a number of them raised a number of concerns, with instances of coercion and testing without consent being reported. Conclusion The 3Cs (consent, counselling and confidentiality) principle must underlie HIV testing and counselling practices in order to achieve positive testing outcomes. The study concludes that adherence to the 3Cs during HIV testing contributes to both the individual and public health good – irrespective of whether testing is initiated by the individual or by the health provider. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher BMC en_US
dc.subject HIV testing en_US
dc.subject VCT en_US
dc.subject PITC en_US
dc.subject PLWHA en_US
dc.subject Slums en_US
dc.subject Kenya en_US
dc.subject sub-Saharan Africa en_US
dc.title HIV testing experiences in Nairobi slums: the good, the bad and the ugly en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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