The Uptake and Accuracy of Oral Kits for HIV Self-Testing in High HIV Prevalence Setting: A Cross-Sectional Feasibility Study in Blantyre, Malawi

2011

HIV Self-Testing in Malawi

Sample size: 298 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Choko Augustine Talumba, Desmond Nicola, Webb Emily L., Chavula Kondwani, Napierala-Mavedzenge Sue, Gaydos Charlotte A., Makombe Simon D., Chunda Treza, Squire S. Bertel, French Neil, Mwapasa Victor, Corbett Elizabeth L.

Primary Institution: Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme

Hypothesis

Can supervised oral HIV self-testing yield accurate results in a high-prevalence setting?

Conclusion

Oral supervised self-testing was highly acceptable and accurate, indicating strong community readiness to adopt this method.

Supporting Evidence

99.2% accuracy in self-testing results.
94.5% acceptability of self-test kits from neighbors.
10% of participants required additional help during testing.
18.5% HIV prevalence among participants.

Takeaway

People in Malawi found it easy and liked testing for HIV at home using a simple kit, which could help more people know their HIV status.

Methodology

Participants were randomly selected from households and community peer groups, offered self-testing with confirmatory testing, and data were collected through interviews and questionnaires.