AUTHOR=Ndungu Kingori , Gichangi Peter , Temmerman Marleen 

TITLE=Exploring the willingness toward HIV immediate test and treat among MSM in Nairobi and its environs: a cross-sectional study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2023

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1228709

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2023.1228709

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=In Test and Treat, high-risk populations are screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and start early treatment, if diagnosed positive. This study explores factors associated with willingness to initiate test and immediate treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nairobi and its environs. The study was informed by the Conceptual Framework combining AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) and Modified Social Ecological Model.This cross-sectional exploratory study targeted MSM (aged 18-60 years) reporting active engagement in anal or oral sex with men in Nairobi and its surrounding areas. Purposive sampling was used to identify data collection sites, then snowballing employed to reach the respondents. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23 and binary logistics regression used for inferential analysisBetween July 2018 and June 2019, 391 MSM were recruited to fill a self-administered questionnaire, out of which 345 complete questionnaires were analysed. Ever been tested for HIV, Private/NGO as the facility of the last HIV test, had unprotected anal sex as the reason for most recent test and results of the most recent HIV test and seeking a post self-test confirmation, are associated with a higher likelihood of accepting HIV Test and Treat. Additionally, preference for health provider as the first source of support, belief in the efficacy of ARVs, and disclosure about being on ART. Additionally, being aged (25+ years), more than 60 USD monthly income and having inconsistent condom uses during sex were associated with higher likelihood to accept HIV test and treat. Barriers to immediate test and treat included stigma from healthcare providers and concerns about disruptions in lifestyle through antiretroviral therapy (ART) use.Interventions aimed at increasing HIV test and treat in Kenya may need to take into account demographic and social characteristics of MSM, including age, lack of habitual HIV testing, and lifestyle changes before and upon enrollment into ART. Projects should also consider working closely with healthcare facilities to strengthen treatment preparation, especially for asymptomatic MSM, and those who may not be immediately willing to enter into tests and treat.