Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability
Abstract HIV self-sampling and -testing (HIVSS/ST) reduces testing barriers and potentially reaches populations who may not test otherwise. In the Netherlands, at-home HIV tests became commercially available around 2016, but data on user experiences are limited. This study aimed to explore character...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12252-4 |
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| author | I. J. M. Willemstein O. Shobowale A. M. Żakowicz H. Bos E. L. M. Op de Coul |
| author_facet | I. J. M. Willemstein O. Shobowale A. M. Żakowicz H. Bos E. L. M. Op de Coul |
| author_sort | I. J. M. Willemstein |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract HIV self-sampling and -testing (HIVSS/ST) reduces testing barriers and potentially reaches populations who may not test otherwise. In the Netherlands, at-home HIV tests became commercially available around 2016, but data on user experiences are limited. This study aimed to explore characteristics of users and their experiences with HIVSS/ST. In 2022 and 2023, a survey was distributed among users of one online commercial provider and one community-based provider; either users ordered a commercial online HIVSS/ST or they sought a free-of-charge HIVST via the community-based provider. Questions included usability, preferences, and barriers of HIVSS/ST-testing. We compared characteristics and experiences of users between providers, risk groups and first-time and repeat testers. In total, 133 users completed the survey; 89 (67%) via the commercial provider and 44 (33%) via the community-based provider. Response rates per provider were 2% and 26%, respectively. Users who bought their test at the commercial provider were more often Gay and Bisexual Men (GBM) (42%), 35 + years (43%), and born in the Netherlands (89%), compared to those recruited through the community-provider (respectively 27%, 25%, 14%). GBM were more often repeat and recent HIVSS/ST-testers, and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Women and heterosexual men were more likely to buy an HIVSS/ST as part of a combination Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) test package. Overall, main reasons for choosing HIVSS/ST were saving time (42%), anonymity (36%) and not having to talk to a GP (35%). Twenty-two percent of the study participants experienced some problems performing the HIVSS/ST, the most reported problem was obtaining sufficient blood through the finger prick (71%). Recommendations to improve accessibility of HIVSS/ST included more awareness (advertising by trustful providers), more access locations (pharmacies/supermarkets/schools) and lower costs. Our findings indicate that HIVSS/ST is a valuable additional HIV testing method for users, but more insight into the contribution of HIVSS/ST to HIV prevention policies is needed. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-31c8fd0ce7fb4856b563a25836d9c711 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-31c8fd0ce7fb4856b563a25836d9c7112025-01-26T12:22:05ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-01-0125111110.1186/s12913-025-12252-4Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usabilityI. J. M. Willemstein0O. Shobowale1A. M. Żakowicz2H. Bos3E. L. M. Op de Coul4Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the EnvironmentAIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) EuropeAIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) EuropeSoa Aids NederlandCentre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the EnvironmentAbstract HIV self-sampling and -testing (HIVSS/ST) reduces testing barriers and potentially reaches populations who may not test otherwise. In the Netherlands, at-home HIV tests became commercially available around 2016, but data on user experiences are limited. This study aimed to explore characteristics of users and their experiences with HIVSS/ST. In 2022 and 2023, a survey was distributed among users of one online commercial provider and one community-based provider; either users ordered a commercial online HIVSS/ST or they sought a free-of-charge HIVST via the community-based provider. Questions included usability, preferences, and barriers of HIVSS/ST-testing. We compared characteristics and experiences of users between providers, risk groups and first-time and repeat testers. In total, 133 users completed the survey; 89 (67%) via the commercial provider and 44 (33%) via the community-based provider. Response rates per provider were 2% and 26%, respectively. Users who bought their test at the commercial provider were more often Gay and Bisexual Men (GBM) (42%), 35 + years (43%), and born in the Netherlands (89%), compared to those recruited through the community-provider (respectively 27%, 25%, 14%). GBM were more often repeat and recent HIVSS/ST-testers, and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Women and heterosexual men were more likely to buy an HIVSS/ST as part of a combination Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) test package. Overall, main reasons for choosing HIVSS/ST were saving time (42%), anonymity (36%) and not having to talk to a GP (35%). Twenty-two percent of the study participants experienced some problems performing the HIVSS/ST, the most reported problem was obtaining sufficient blood through the finger prick (71%). Recommendations to improve accessibility of HIVSS/ST included more awareness (advertising by trustful providers), more access locations (pharmacies/supermarkets/schools) and lower costs. Our findings indicate that HIVSS/ST is a valuable additional HIV testing method for users, but more insight into the contribution of HIVSS/ST to HIV prevention policies is needed.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12252-4HIVHIV testingSelf-testingHIV infectionsPopulation characteristicsConsumer behavior |
| spellingShingle | I. J. M. Willemstein O. Shobowale A. M. Żakowicz H. Bos E. L. M. Op de Coul Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability BMC Health Services Research HIV HIV testing Self-testing HIV infections Population characteristics Consumer behavior |
| title | Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability |
| title_full | Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability |
| title_fullStr | Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability |
| title_full_unstemmed | Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability |
| title_short | Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability |
| title_sort | self sampling and self testing for hiv at a commercial and community based test provider in the netherlands user preferences and usability |
| topic | HIV HIV testing Self-testing HIV infections Population characteristics Consumer behavior |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12252-4 |
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