Citation:
Kumwenda, M.K., Corbett, E.L., Chikovore, J., Phiri, M., Mwale, D., Choko, A.T., Nliwasa, M., Sambakunsi, R., Taegtmeyer, M., Gutteberg, T.J., Munthali, A. & Desmond, N. (2018) Discordance, disclosure and normative gender roles: barriers to couple testing within a community-level HIV self-testing intervention in urban Blantyre, Malawi. <i>AIDS and Behavior</i>. February:Online.
Abstract:
A community-based HIV self-testing study in Blantyre, Malawi demonstrated that not all individuals living in couples tested with their partner. We describe factors dissuading individuals in couples from self-testing with their partner. Data were drawn from qualitative study exploring consequences of HIV self-testing within couples. In-depth interviews were conducted with 33 individuals living in couples who tested alone. Participants expressed fear of dealing with HIV-discordant relationships. Failure to self-test with a partner was correlated with gender, with more men than women overtly declining or unconsciously unable to have joint HIV self-test. Men feared exposure of infidelity and were often not available at home for economic reasons. Barriers to uptake of couple HIV self-testing seemed to be shaped by gendered dichotomies of social-relationships. To help achieve the first 90% of the UNAIDS 90:90:90 goals, it is important to overcome structural barriers to realise the full potential of HIV self-testing.
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