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Browsing Medicine & Surgery Collections by Author "Apio Sophie Odora & Amos Ronald Kalukusu"

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    DRIVERS FOR ACCEPTABILITY OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) SELF-TESTING KITS AMONG FEMALE COMMERCIAL SEX-WORKERS IN UGANDA. AN EVALUATIVE STUDY AT UGANDA MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE
    (2024-07-18) Apio Sophie Odora & Amos Ronald Kalukusu
    This study explored the utilization of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among female commercial sex workers in Uganda, focusing on individual and health facility factors influencing its uptake. Data were gathered through interviews with 184 respondents, revealing that only 48% had tested for HIV, while merely 27.2% had used HIVST. Results indicate that factors like age (χ2=19.353, p=0.000), marital status (χ2=8.564, p=0.014), and experiences of stigma (χ2=8.309, p=0.016) significantly affected HIVST. Health facility factors were also influential; 68.8% lacked access to HIVST kits, and 65.9% reported kit unavailability. Distance to facilities (χ2=7.943, p=0.005) and receiving health education (χ2=5.612, p=0.015) impacted HIVST uptake. Logistic regression revealed that younger age groups (18-24 years: AOR=2.537, 95% CI: 1.670-3.561, p=0.002; 2534 years: AOR=2.001, 95% CI: 1.511-3.890, p=0.001) and proximity to testing facilities (AOR=4.661, 95% CI: 2.510-7.002, p=0.000) increased HIVST uptake. Conversely, having fewer sexual partners correlated with lower HIVST usage (one partner: AOR=0.275, 95% CI: 0.1010.442, p=0.024; two partners: AOR=0.431, 95% CI: 0.118-0.782, p=0.010). These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions to enhance HIVST accessibility, especially targeting younger individuals and improving awareness among key populations. Keywords: Acceptability; Testing Kits; HIV/AIDS.