Family-Based Index testing for HIV; a qualitative study of acceptance, barriers/challenges and facilitators among clients in Cape Coast, Ghana

Evelyn Asamoah Ampofo, Isaac Commey Tetteh, Raphael Adu-Gyamfi, Nancy Innocentia Ebu Enyan, Elizabeth Agyare, Stephen Ayisi Addo, Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Family-based Index HIV Testing, (FBIT) approach is known to be associated with a relatively higher testing yield compared to Provider-Initiated Testing and Counselling. The implementation of this strategy in several countries has exposed some barriers to optimal FBIT outcomes. With the scale up of FBIT in Ghana, stakeholder engagement is key in identifying and addressing barriers to implementation. This study explored acceptance, barriers/challenges and facilitators of FBIT. Seventeen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted among clients who had been offered FBIT at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s [(2006)] thematic analysis framework and found that (1) participants accepted the strategy and were willing to use it; (2) lack of awareness of the strategy among the general public, fear of disclosure/stigmatization, issues with confidentiality and privacy are barriers/challenges associated with the FBIT approach, and (3) increasing public education on HIV in general and FBIT in particular, ensuring confidentiality and privacy regarding testing are facilitators for increasing uptake of FBIT. It is concluded that despite acceptance of FBIT as a good strategy among index clients, general HIV education to reduce stigma and addressing confidentiality can optimize uptake.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)856-861
Number of pages6
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume34
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cape Coast
  • Family
  • Ghana
  • HIV testing
  • barriers
  • challenges
  • facilitators
  • stigma

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