"I told myself, be bold and go and test": Motivators and barriers to HIV testing among gay, bisexual, and other cis-gender men who have sex with men in Ghana ‒ West Africa

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  • Abu-Ba’are, Gamji Rabiu
    • Other Affiliation: University of Rochester
  • Aidoo-Frimpong, Gloria
    • Other Affiliation: Yale University
  • Stockton, Melissa
    • Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
  • Zigah, Edem Yaw
    • Other Affiliation: Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health
  • Amuah, Samuel
    • Other Affiliation: Youth Alliance for Health and Human Rights
  • Amu-Adu, Prince
    • Other Affiliation: Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health
  • Amoh-Otoo, Richard Panix
    • Other Affiliation: Youth Alliance for Health and Human Rights
  • Nyblade, Laura
    • Other Affiliation: RTI International
  • Torpey, Kwasi
    • Other Affiliation: University of Ghana
  • Nelson, LaRon E.
    • Other Affiliation: Yale University
Abstract
  • Despite a disproportionately high burden of HIV, GBMSM in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa often delay testing until the point of illness. However, limited studies examine factors that affect their participation in testing. We used qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect insights into experiences, motivators, and barriers to HIV testing among GBMSM. Two community-based organizations used snowball and convenience sampling to recruit 10 GBMSM for IDIs and 8 to 12 for FGDs. We transcribed, coded, identified, and analyzed the relationship and commonalities between the participants’ responses. Under experiences with testing, 1) fear of HIV infection created a stressful HIV testing experience, and 2) a friendly and supportive healthcare environment facilitated a positive experience in healthcare facilities. Motivators or facilitators of testing include 1) the perception or belief that HIV testing is an HIV prevention strategy; 2) encouragement from friends and peers; 3) understanding risk associated with certain sexual behaviors; 4) education or information on HIV; 5) access to free testing and incentives; 6) early symptoms and provider recommendation. Barriers to HIV testing include 1) negative community perceptions of HIV; 2) individual-level low-risk perception or indifference about HIV infection; 3) health system issues; 5) Perceived stigma at healthcare facilities. The findings point to the need to address critical issues around stigma, education, peer support, and healthcare resources through interventions and research to improve HIV testing among GBMSM in the country.
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  • Article
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  • In Copyright
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  • Attribution 4.0 International
Journal title
  • PLOS Global Public Health
Journal volume
  • 4
Journal issue
  • 1
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  • e0002231
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  • English
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  • Publisher
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  • 2767-3375
Publisher
  • Public Library of Science

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