Kenya (2013-2014) Insights into Potential Users and Messaging for HIV Oral Self-Test Kits in Kenya. Round 1

The National AIDS & STI Control Programme has a policy framework on HIV oral self-testing but the policy guidelines are yet to be adopted in the country as there is inadequate information on whether their use would be acceptable and if so, who is likely to seek oral HIV self-testing, what are the incentives of different types of individuals to self-test, what messaging and other methods might be effective for increasing the acceptability and demand for self-tests, particularly among groups th at this approach might want to target. PSI implemented a cross-sectional exploratory study to identify populations most likely to access oral HIV self-test kits and associated incentives for self-testing. The data will also explore how this information can inform the development of messages and other relevant approaches to increase demand for oral HIV self-testing among potential consumers. The main objective of this study is to inform the design and implementation of pilot projects to increase the use of HIV oral self-testing in Kenya. This will involve identifying factors associated with potential uptake of HIV self-testing among the general and key population groups. The specific aims are to: 1) Determine likely users of oral HIV self-test kits among the general population and key populations at risk in urban and rural settings; 2) Identify incentives for using oral HIV self-test kits among the general population and key populations at risk in urban and rural settings; 3) Identify and test key messages and approaches to increase demand and use of oral HIV self-test kits. A mixed method study that includes of a quantitative component [a closed-ended questionnaire survey] and a qualitative component [an open-ended questionnaire interviews] with individuals from the community is proposed. The study groups will be as follows: 1) General population women (18-49 years) and men (18-49 years; 2) Key population groups FSW (18-49 years) and MSM (18-49 years)