South Africa (2013): Assessing acceptability of HIV self testing in South Africa [HIV testing]

This study seeks to identify facilitators of and barriers to acceptability and scale-up of the self-testing HIV kit in South Africa. The study was qualitative conducting 16 focus group discussions (eight groups of female and eight groups of male participants) with potential clients in Soweto (Zola/Chiawelo area) and Orange Farm. The study was an interactive discussion on the acceptability and feasibility of the self-testing kit, including: the packaging and instructions, pricing options, barriers and facilitators to access, barriers to traditional testing and counseling, hypothetical discussion around a self-test kit and draft instructions, reasons they would use this test, and reasons they would not use this test. Information on socio-cultural and economic status as well stigma and discrimination was also collected. PSI engaged Center for HIV and AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS), a leading South African research organization to conduct the study.