Socio-ecological model: Understanding facilitators and barriers to HIV testing and counseling uptake in sub-Saharan Africa - A systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review examined the facilitators and barriers to HTC uptake among adults in SSA using the socio-ecological model (SEM). Methods: A systematic search of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO and Europe PMC identified 114 HTC uptake studies in SSA from 2010 to 2023 of which 6 met the inclusion criteria. The search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Individual level facilitators of HTC included high perceived HIV risk, privacy, higher education, and prior testing experience while low HIV knowledge, fear of positive results, stigma, and lack of confidence in self-testing were barriers. Interpersonal facilitators included partner and peer support, and peer normalization of testing, while barriers involved fear of partner reactions, trust concerns, and fear of unintentional disclosure. At the health system-level, facilitators included counseling, positive experiences with providers, and no discrimination while privacy concerns, stigma, and judgmental attitudes of healthcare workers hindered HTC uptake. The community-level barriers included misconceptions and stigma, whereas community-based education improved HTC uptake. At the policy level, cost was a barrier, but availability of self-testing facilitated uptake. The interpersonal factors presented the most significant facilitators (53.3 %), while the policy-level factors were the most significant barriers (57.1 %). Conclusion: HTC uptake in SSA is shaped by intersecting SEM factors. Understanding these influences are essential for designing effective interventions to improve HTC uptake and linkage to care.