Appropriateness of digital vending machines and mobile phone applications in increasing access to HIV testing among adolescents and young people aged 18-24 in an urban community in Zambia: insights from adolescents, young people and healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND

Despite several initiatives aimed at increasing HIV testing among young people in Zambia, testing uptake remains low, highlighting the need for innovative approaches.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aimed to explore perceptions of the appropriateness of a proposed digital HIV testing pathway, comprising digital vending machines and a mobile phone application for improving access to HIV self-testing among adolescents and young people in Lusaka, Zambia.

METHODS

This was a formative qualitative study conducted in an urban community of Lusaka district. Purposive sampling was used to recruit adolescents, young people and healthcare providers. Participants were invited to reflect on a conceptual description of a proposed digital HIV testing pathway during in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed thematically, guided by Rogers' diffusion of innovations.

RESULTS

Participants perceived the concept of using digital vending machines as convenient and capable of facilitating quick access to HIV self-testing kits while promoting a culture of testing. However, concerns were raised regarding the need for emotional support following a positive result. The accompanying mobile phone application was perceived as potentially appropriate for linkage to emotional support although barriers related to smartphone access, digital literacy and usability were highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that digital vending machines and mobile phone applications may offer a promising approach to expanding HIV testing among adolescents and young people. However, considerations related to digital access, privacy, user-friendly design and strengthened linkage to care mechanisms are critical to enhance their potential appropriateness in this context.