'I think they might just go to the doctor': qualitatively examining the (un)acceptability of newer HIV testing approaches among Vietnamese-born migrants in greater-Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Abstract

This study used semi-structured interviews to examine the (un)acceptability, barriers and facilitators to newer HIV testing approaches (i.e. PITC, HIV RT and HIV ST) among Vietnamese-born migrants (n = 10) in greater-Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Vietnamese-born migrants had mixed perspectives on the (un)acceptability of newer HIV testing approaches. PITC was largely viewed by participants as a facilitator to HIV testing for Vietnamese-born migrants. Likewise, HIV RT (undertaken by a doctor in a medical setting, as opposed to a trained community member in a community setting) was generally considered to facilitate HIV testing. HIV ST was largely not considered acceptable to Vietnamese-born migrants and they would prefer to go to a doctor for HIV testing. Several factors were identified that either facilitate or act as barriers to newer HIV testing approaches, including privacy; cost of (accessing) HIV testing; comfort and convenience; healthcare provider relationship; risk perception; symptoms; and technical and emotional support. There is a need to understand migrants' HIV testing preferences if poorer HIV-related outcomes are to be overcome. The findings from this study show a preference for doctor-centred HIV testing, due to enhanced privacy, accuracy and support.