HIV self-testing lived experiences of female sex workers in the Garden City, Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

HIV self-testing (HIVST) provides a private and convenient alternative to traditional testing, addressing barriers such as stigma, fear of discrimination, and accessibility challenges. Female sex workers (FSWs) face a disproportionate burden of HIV and limited access to facility-based testing, making HIVST a critical tool for advancing Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 2030 targets.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the lived experiences of FSWs with HIVST and identify strategies to enhance its uptake and accessibility in Nigeria.

DESIGN

This was a qualitative study utilizing a phenomenological approach to explore the shared lived experiences of participants.

METHODS

This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews with 15 brothel-based FSWs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Participants were purposively sampled to capture diverse perspectives. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVIVO-12 software to identify key themes.

RESULTS

HIVST was highly accepted due to its convenience, privacy, and autonomy. However, barriers such as cost, limited awareness, perceived inaccuracy of results, and anxiety about self-testing were reported. Participants emphasized affordability, peer support, and targeted education as key facilitators. While concerns about stigma and result interpretation were evident, participants recommended integrating HIVST into public health programs, subsidizing test kits, and expanding awareness initiatives to improve adoption.

CONCLUSION

HIVST has significant potential to increase HIV testing rates among FSWs in Nigeria. Addressing financial, educational, and structural barriers, while leveraging peer-driven support and community engagement, is essential for optimizing HIVST uptake. These strategies align with UNAIDS' 2030 goals and can contribute to reducing HIV-related disparities among key populations.

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