ArticleBMC public health2022
HIV self-testing implementation, distribution and use among female sex workers in Cotonou, Benin: a qualitative evaluation of acceptability and feasibility.
Article in BMC public health, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 16 citations in OpenAlex.
- Motivations, Facilitators, and Barriers of Donation-Based Interventions in HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Research: A Systematic Review.JAMA network open · 2025Pooled it
- Strategies, programs and interventions implemented to improve sex workers' access to health services in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review.BMC public health · 2026Article
- Stigma, privacy concerns, sexual behaviors, and testing history shape willingness to use HIV self-testing among African refugee men engaged in sex work in Italy - a mixed method study-BGSH-023.BMC public health · 2026Article
- Navigating HIV self-testing: Concerns among adolescents and young people aged 15-24 years in Uganda. An exploratory qualitative study.PloS one · 2026Article
- Empowering Vulnerable Communities Through HIV Self-Testing: Post-COVID-19 Strategies for Health Promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025Article
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- HIV counsellors' knowledge and attitudes on HIV self-testing: A qualitative study in Eswatini.Health SA = SA Gesondheid · 2025Article
- Predicting HIV self-testing intentions among Chinese college students: a dual-model analysis integrating health belief constructs and machine learning prioritization.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
- Factors Influencing the Acceptability and Uptake of HIV Self-Testing Among Priority Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review.Public health reviews · 2025Review
- A community-based study of intention to use HIV self-testing among young people in urban areas of southern Ethiopia.Scientific reports · 2024Article
- Comparative acceptability of saliva-based self-testing versus blood-based self-testing for HIV screening among key populations in Kisangani.BMC infectious diseases · 2024Article
- Knowledge, and utilization of HIV self-testing, and its associated factors among women in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from 21 countries demographic and health survey.BMC public health · 2024Article
- Understanding the cost-utility of implementing HIV self-testing with digital-based supports.Frontiers in public health · 2024Article
- HIV self-testing lived experiences of female sex workers in the Garden City, Eastern Nigeria.Women's health (London, England)Article
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Authors and funding
8 authors at 4 institutions in 3 countries.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundIn Benin, the burden of HIV is disproportionately high among female sex workers (FSWs). HIV testing and knowledge of status are starting points for HIV treatment and prevention interventions. Despite the importance given to testing services in HIV control, its uptake among FSWs remains suboptimal in Benin. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be useful for increasing testing rates in FSWs.
methodsWe conducted a pilot study of the distribution of saliva-based HIVST among FSWs in Cotonou and its surroundings, Benin. The HIVST promotion and distribution model included three complementary strategies: community-based, facility-based and secondary distribution. In this qualitative study, we explored the elements influencing HIVST implementation, distribution and use among FSWs. We assessed HIVST acceptability and feasibility in this population. We conducted 29 semi-structured individual interviews with FSWs. Data were interpreted with a thematic analysis method, using the Theoretical Domains Framework.
resultsOnly two FSWs (6.9%) were aware of HIVST before participating in the study. All participants were interested in using HIVST if available in Benin. Many advantages of HIVST were mentioned, including: autonomy, privacy, accessibility, time saving, and the fact that it is a painless test. Barriers to the use of HIVST included: the fear of unreliability, the lack of psychological support and medical follow-up and the possibility of result dissimulation. Participants thought HIVST was easy to use without assistance. HIVST enabled linkage to care for a few FSWs in denial of their HIV-positive status. No case of suicide or violence associated with HIVST was reported. HIVST secondary distribution within FSWs social network was well received. FSWs' boyfriends and clients showed interest in using the device. Some FSWs reported using HIVST to practice serosorting or to guide their decisions regarding condom use.
conclusionsOur study shows a very high level of acceptability for HIVST among FSWs in Cotonou and its surroundings. Results also demonstrate the feasibility of implementing HIVST distribution in Benin. HIVST should be implemented in Benin quickly and free of charge for all individuals at risk of HIV. HIVST offer should be integrated with comprehensive sexual health and prevention services.
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