Relationship Gender Equality and Couples' Uptake of Oral Human Immunodeficiency Virus Self-Testing Kits Delivered by Pregnant Women in Kenya. Issue 9 (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vrana-Diaz, Caroline J.; Korte, Jeffrey E.; Gebregziabher, Mulugeta; Richey, Lauren; Selassie, Anbesaw; Sweat, Michael; Gichangi, Anthony
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted diseases. Volume 46:Issue 9(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-5717

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Higher gender equality is associated with many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preventive behaviors, including HIV testing. HIV self-testing is a relatively new testing technology that could assist with HIV prevention. However, there are no studies examining gender equality and HIV self-testing. We examined the associations between gender equality and couples' uptake of HIV self-testing among heterosexual couples expecting a child in central Kenya. Methods: This analysis used data from a HIV self-testing randomized intervention trial among pregnant women attending antenatal care and their male partners. The primary exposures were gender equality (measured by the male partner's attitudes toward intimate partner violence, and the woman's report on her household decision making power), and the primary outcome was couples' uptake of HIV self-testing. Generalized linear mixed models framework was used to account for site-level clustering. Results: In comparison to male partners reporting high acceptance of intimate partner violence, couples with male partners reporting medium acceptance (odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–5.63) or low acceptance (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–5.21) were significantly more likely to use HIV self-testing. Gender equality measured by decision making power was not associated with couples' uptake of HIV self-testing. Conclusions: This study is the first of its kind to examine the association between gender equality and couples' HIV self-testing. This holds important implications for HIV self-testing as we strive to achieve the United Nations Programme on HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome goal that 90% of individuals living with HIV should know their status. Abstract : A study of pregnant couples in Kenya found that male partners with low acceptance of intimate partner violence were more likely to use human immunodeficiency virus self-testing than those with high acceptance of intimate partner violence.