Assessment of the utilization of HIV self-testing (HIVST) services  among female sex workers (FSW) in Machinga district, Malawi by Khumbo Ngóna  Namachapa

Namachapa, Khumbo

Assessment of the utilization of HIV self-testing (HIVST) services among female sex workers (FSW) in Machinga district, Malawi by Khumbo Ngóna Namachapa

Date

2022-02-09

Authors

Namachapa, Khumbo

Publisher

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Type of study Utilization of HIV Self -Testing (HIVST) services among Female Sex Workers (FSW) in Machinga district, rural Malawi.- Problem Statement In Malawi, HIVST policy was adopted in 2018 to ensure that hard to reach populations such as FSWs know their HIV status contributing to case finding and get linked to treatment, care and support services. However, since it`s inception, an evaluation has not yet been done to determine utilization of HIVST services. Most data presented are from studies conducted in other African countries with an upper middle-income level and from urban Malawi. It is not conclusive that these studies findings may apply to Malawi`s local context in places such as Machinga which is predominantly rural. Objectives • Broad Objective To assess the utilization of HIVST among FSW in Machinga district, Malawi. • Specific Objectives i. To explore the knowledge and attitudes of FSW towards utilization of HIVST service ii. To describe how the attitude of HIVST distributors affects HIVST utilization among FSW iii. To examine if the experience of stigma and discrimination affects utilization of HIVST among FSW iv. To explore the views of FSWs on whether linkage to treatment and care affects utilization of HIVST services. Methodology On methodology, the study will use qualitative research methods. Purposive sampling method will be used to recruit FSW aged 13 years and above. Data will be collected through Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews and thematic content analysis will be used to analyse data using NVivo software version 11.0. Expected findings and dissemination This study expects to unearth the depth of knowledge possessed by FSWs on HIVST services and how their level of knowledge influences their attitude towards HIVST. This study expects to uncover the attitudinal influence of the service providers on the end users. lastly the study expects to find out the societal influence on the uptake of HIVST services of FSWs albeit numerous efforts that have been undertaken to address stigma and discrimination. the probable findings of this research will be disseminated in various forums such as Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES), School of Public Health and Family Medicine (SPHFM) faculty, College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC) and College of Medicine Research Dissemination Conference, the DHA, and Machinga DistrictHospital management. The dissemination process will be in various forms thus written and oral (presentations).