EACS2023: 654 Preferences, motivations, and barriers to HIV self-testing uptake among men and women enrolled in a six-month PrEP dispensing program in Kenya E. Rugendo , M. McGowan , N. Thuo , E. Casmir , A. Jahn , J. Baeten , K.F Ortblad , K. Ngure Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany, Partners in Health and Research Development, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States, Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States, School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya General data Abstract category: Access and delivery of care Abstract body Purpose: Regular HIV testing is a requirement for clients engaged in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services to detect any potential HIV infections. However, institutional- and client-level barriers to HIV testing remain (e.g., staff shortages, long waiting times) that may be addressed with HIV self-testing (HIVST). HIVST could support a model of six-month PrEP dispensing to reduce PrEP clinic visits in half; we assessed preferences, motivators, and barriers to HIVST among clients engaged in such a model of PrEP service delivery. Method: The JipimeJiPrEP study was a 12-month randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03593629) testing the use of HIVST to decrease the frequency and burden of PrEP clinic visits. Participants were randomized to 6-months PrEP dispensing supported with interim HIVST (blood- or oral-based) or 3-months PrEP dispensing (standard-of-care [SOC]). Participants in the intervention group (n=34) were purposively selected to complete 12-month follow-up in-depth interviews (IDIs). Transcripts were analyzed using inductive and deductive approaches. Results: Between May-2018 and February-2020, 495 participants were enrolled into the study and 34 participants completed IDIs (22 female; 13 male). The median age was 32 years (interquartile range 28-40 years). Most participants (29/34) preferred HIVST over the SOC stating it was easier to perform, convenient, and private. Those who preferred the SOC described HIV counselling as a primary motivator. Many (20/34) preferred oral-based over blood-based HIVST due to ease, little discomfort, and fear of pricking oneself. Those who preferred blood-based HIVST perceived greater testing accuracy. HIVST uptake was facilitated through training on HIVST use and social support. Barriers to uptake were unfamiliarity with HIVST and fear of testing HIV-positive in the absence of counseling. Conclusions: Overall, participants preferred HIVST over the SOC for PrEP delivery. This suggests that HIVST may be appropriate in PrEP delivery programs and should be considered to support regular HIV testing in Kenya and similar settings. General conditions 1. I confirm that I previewed this abstract and that all information is correct. I accept that the content of this abstract cannot be modified or corrected after the submission deadline and I am aware that it will be published exactly as submitted.: Yes 2. I confirm that the submission of the abstract constitutes my consent to publication (e.g. conference website, programmes, other promotions, etc.). : Yes 3. I herewith confirm that the contact details saved in this system are those of the corresponding author, who will be notified about the status of the abstract. The corresponding author is responsible for informing the other authors about the status of the abstract.: Yes 4. I agree that all data provided may be used (saved, stored, processed, transmitted and deleted) in compliance with the privacy policy to provide the services described.: Yes 1 1 2 3 1 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 32 19TH EUROPEAN AIDS CONFERENCE | WARSAW 2023
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