Overcoming cultural barriers to implementing oral HIV self-testing with high fidelity among Tanzanian youth

Abstract

Tanzanian youth have high levels of HIV risk and poor access to HIV-testing. Oral self-implemented testing (Oral-SIT) provides an alternative that reduces barriers to HIV-testing. We examined adaptations to Oral-SIT training components in a randomized experiment to evaluate a "train-the-trainer" strategy for improving comprehension of graphic training materials. Participants (N = 257, age = 14-19 years) were randomly assigned to one of two self-training conditions: graphic instruction book (GIB) or Video-GIB. Outcomes included behavioral performance fidelity, self-reported comprehension, and intentions to seek treatment. Video-GIB participants, relative to GIB-only participants, had higher performance fidelity scores, made fewer performance errors, had better instruction comprehension, and were more likely to intend to seek treatment. Oral-SIT timing errors were significantly more common among GIB-only participants. Graphic training materials in conjunction with a "train-the-trainer" video has significant potential for increasing Oral-SIT's reach by overcoming technological and literacy barriers.

Keywords: Fidelity; Oral-HIV self-testing; Self-implementation; Tanzania.