Public Health and Epidemiology: Open Access
Knowledge and Perceptions of HIV Self-Testing Among Sexually Active Individuals in Bonassama Health District, Cameroon: Implications for Uptake and Public Health Interventions
Abstract
Nwongou Odile, Tanue Elvis Asangbeng, Ndeso Syvester Atanga and Nsagha Dickson Shey
Background: HIV/AIDS remains a major global public health concern, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest prevalence. Many individuals are unaware of their HIV status, which limits access to antiretroviral treatment. Knowing one’s status is essential for adopting preventive measures and initiating treatment for those who test positive. However, hesitancy toward provider-initiated HIV testing is often linked to stigma and concerns about confidentiality. Research suggests that HIV self-testing can improve privacy, reduce stigma, and encourage more people to get tested. This study aims to assess the knowledge and perceptions of HIV self-testing among sexually active individuals in the Bonassama Health District of Cameroon.
Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study design carried out within a period of one year among 1400 sexually active consented individuals in Bonassama Health District. The participants were selected in 4 communities based on probability proportionate to size technique through simple random sampling method. Data was collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires incorporated into google form. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Quantitative data were described using mean± SD, median, percentages and Chi square test was used to test for association between two categorical variables while multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of HIV self-testing. Statistical significance was set at 95% confidence interval.
Results: Of the 1400 participants recruited in the study, 869 (62%) were females and 531 (38%) were males. The mean age was 32.9±9 years. Overall, 952(68%) of the participants demonstrated correct knowledge on HIV/AIDS and self -testing. Factors associated with participants Knowledge on HIV/AIDS and HIV self-testing were, gender (AOR,1.3, 95% CI (1.01-3.6), marital status (AOR,1.6, 95% CI (1.20-3.30), level of education (AOR,1.4, 95% CI (1.10-2.32), and occupation (AOR,1.5, 95%CI (1.21-3.52). 849(61%) of the respondents demonstrated correct perception on HIV/AIDS and HIV self-testing while those with incorrect perception made up 39% (551).
Conclusion: The study revealed that slightly above half of the participants had correct knowledge and perception on HIV/AIDS and HIV and self-testing. It has been demonstrated in recent studies that effective prevention, diagnoses and treatment of HIV/AIDS is influenced by knowledge and perceptions. Therefore, there is need for continued sensitization and knowledge sharing among sexually active individuals to enhance their understanding on HIV self-testing, treatment and prevention.