Assessment of the acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing in vulnerable population groups in Togo

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing in vulnerable population groups. Methods: This was a quantitative and qualitative study conducted in April 2022 in thirteen pilot centers of the national AIDS program. The target populations were men who had sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs), and street adolescents. Results: During the study period, 802 people were included in this study, among whom 51.4% were male. The study population consisted mainly of FSWs (34.4%), MSM (24.4%), and people from the general population (23.2%). The median age of the participants was 23 years, ranging from 13 to 77 years. The overall acceptability of the self-test was estimated to be 97.1% (n = 779). Six participants refused to do it immediately yet suggested that they might do it later, and 17 (2.1%) outright refused to do it. Acceptability was 100% among street adolescents, transgender people, and drug users. The lowest level of acceptability (93.5%) was found among the FSWs. Self-testing was considered feasible for 99.7% (n = 777) IC95% (99.1-100.0) of the participants. Conclusion: Our study showed that self-testing is a highly acceptable and practical strategy for MSM, FSWs, and adolescents in Togo. Therefore, in order to accelerate the implementation of population screening programs in our country, it is important to bring all innovative interventions to scale if we are to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2026. Key words: Autoimmune bullous dermatoses, Pemphigus, Bullous pemphigoid, Togo