Abstract:
BACKGROUND : HIV self-testing (HIVST) is one of the recommended approaches for HIV testing services, particularly for
helping reach populations who would not normally access facility-based HIV testing. Key stakeholder engagement is
paramount in tailoring health interventions to ensure uptake by target populations.
OBJECTIVE : The main objective of this study was to collaborate with key stakeholder in the co-creation of an accept‑
able HIVST delivery strategies to help improve urban men’s engagement with HIV services.
METHODS : We invited key stakeholders for urban men’s HIV services to participate in a co-creation workshop aimed at
developing HIVST delivery approaches for urban men, using eThekwini municipality as a study setting. We conducted
purposive sampling to include health care users and health care providers, representing a range of views across the
public sector and voluntary sector. We employed the nominal group technique (NGT) method for data collection. The
NGT workshop was conducted in two consecutives: phase 1 was focused on determining barriers for men’s engage‑
ment with the current/facility-based HIV testing services; phase 2 was aimed at determining HIVST delivery strategies.
RESULTS : Participants identifed the following factors as the most important barriers to uptake of HIV testing services
by urban men: stigma, ignorance about the importance of testing, and testing process as well as fear of positive test
results. Key stakeholders suggested internal motivation strategies as a potentially efective approach to support HIVST
delivery strategy. Guided by the NGT results, we designed a HIVST delivery strategy that is supported by a risk com‑
munication approach.
CONCLUSION : The NGT enabled successful collaboration with key stakeholders in the co-creation of HIVST delivery
strategies to guide implementation and strategy improve urban men’s engagement with HIV services. A follow-up
study to evaluate the feasibility of implementing these approaches is recommended.
