EXPLORATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S HIV SELF-TESTING AND LINKAGE TO CARE EXPERIENCES AT NDIRANDE HEALTH CENTRE IN BLANTYRE CITY, MALAWI

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dc.contributor.authorCHISOMO MALANGO KUMWENDA
dc.date.accessioned2025-08-14T15:03:56Z
dc.date.available2025-08-14T15:03:56Z
dc.date.issued2025-03-14
dc.description.abstractUnderstanding the experiences of recipients of HIV self-testing (HIVST) can significantly enhance its uptake by young people. However, few studies have focused on young people's perspectives, particularly those of Malawi. This study aimed to explore the experiences of young people related to HIVST and its linkage to care at the Ndirande Health Centre in Blantyre City, Malawi, in order to improve testing rates, linkage to care, and treatment outcomes.This study used a qualitative research approach. Young people aged 18-24, who received HIVST, regardless of their HIV status, were purposively sampled from the Ndirande Health Centre. In terms of sample size, 15 were purposively selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs), while 18 participants, 15 of whom participated in the IDIs, were purposively selected to participate in three focus group discussions (FGDs). Data from both IDIs and FGDs were analyzed using thematic analysis, where patterns and themes were identified, coded, and interpreted to capture insights into young people's experiences with HIVST. The findings of the study were organized into four key themes that emerged from the data: : Motivating Factors for HIVST Engagement, Perspectives on HIVST Process and Linkage to Care, Support Needs During and After HIVST, and Facilitators and Barriers to HIVST and Linkage to Care. The study revealed that media influence, health worker recommendations, peer pressure, educational input, and personal curiosity were significant factors that influenced young people's intention to engage in HIVST. While many respondents appreciated the convenience and autonomy of HIVST, the process and linkage to care were emotionally taxing, with fear of an HIV-positive result, stigma, and discrimination. Support needs during and after HIVST and linkage to care were also highlighted as being important. These include emotional support, practical guidance, reassurance from health workers, and support from family and friends.
dc.identifier.urihttps://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/748
dc.language.isoen
dc.titleEXPLORATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S HIV SELF-TESTING AND LINKAGE TO CARE EXPERIENCES AT NDIRANDE HEALTH CENTRE IN BLANTYRE CITY, MALAWI
dc.typeThesis
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