Overview
The study aims to address low testing and related issues such as stigma, low-risk perception, and concerns about confidentiality affecting testing. To overcome these challenges, the study proposes to adapt the Many Men Many Voices (3MV) into a modified version called LAFIYA to tackle intersectional stigma and improve HIVST among young sexual minority men in Ghana.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- YSMM: To be eligible to participate in the interview, the person must be between 18 to 25 years old, have no experience using unassisted HIVST kits, do not know their HIV status or tested negative, currently identifies as cis-gender man, and have had sex with another man within six months before engaging with the recruitment team and must reside within a slum community in the Greater Accra Metropolitan area.
- Providers: To be eligible to participate in the interview, the person must have experience providing sexual health services such as HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to prevention and care services for at least one year. Must reside within the Greater Accra Metropolitan area and have worked with YSMM on HIV prevention and care.
Exclusion Criteria:
- YSMM: Those who fall under 18 years or above 25 years will be excluded from the study. YSMM who have experience with unassisted HIVST kits, know their HIV status, or tested positive for HIV will be excluded from the study. YSMM who do not identify as cis-gender man and have not had sex with another man within six months before engaging with the recruitment team will be excluded from the study. YSMM who do not reside within a slum community in the Greater Accra Metropolitan area will be excluded from the study.
- Providers: Persons who do not have experience providing services such as HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to prevention and care services for at least one year will be excluded from the study. Providers not residing within the Greater Accra Metropolitan area and have not worked with YSMM on HIV prevention and care will be excluded.