Knowledge, perceptions, and acceptability of HIV Self-Testing among Primary Healthcare Workers in Calabar, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Nja GME; Efimba BM; Obogo PU; Etim JJ; Elgoraish AG; Idehen CI; Nja ME

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i3.1200

Authors

Nja GME Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3103-4663
Efimba BM Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0287-9037
Obogo PU Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9483-4242
Etim JJ Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4607-086X
Elgoraish AG Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Uganda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2420-3120
Idehen CI Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Uganda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8736-3482
Nja ME Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2571-0909

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i3.1200

Keywords:

Healthcare workers, HIV self-testing, acceptability, knowledge, perceptions, Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: HIV self-testing (HIVST) can expand early HIV diagnosis by reducing barriers related to stigma, confidentiality, and access. Primary healthcare workers are important to its delivery, but evidence on their knowledge, perceptions, and acceptability remains limited in many Nigerian settings.

Objective: This study assessed knowledge, perceptions, acceptability, and factors associated with HIVST among primary healthcare workers in Calabar, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 primary healthcare workers selected from primary healthcare facilities in Calabar Metropolis using a multi-stage sampling approach. Data were collected with a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations; associations were examined using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests at p < 0.05.

Results: High acceptability of HIVST was reported by 110 (85.9%) respondents. Good knowledge and positive perception were reported by 94 (73.4%) and 92 (71.9%) respondents, respectively. Marital status (p = 0.0003), educational level (p = 0.0054), work experience (p < 0.001), knowledge of HIVST (p = 0.0001), and perception of HIVST (p = 0.0007) were significantly associated with acceptability. The leading barriers were cost, poor kit availability, fear of a positive result, stigma, and limited counselling support.

Conclusion: HIVST was highly acceptable among primary healthcare workers in Calabar. Integrating HIVST into routine primary healthcare, ensuring affordable kit supply, and strengthening training, counselling, and linkage systems may support safe implementation.