Disclosures No relevant disclosures New Methods for New

Disclosures No relevant disclosures.

New Methods for New Insights: Early Findings from the HIV Self-Testing Human Centered Design Challenge Fund Mara Hildebrand ciff. org

The HIV Self-Testing Human Centered Design (HCD) Challenge Fund is a stage-gated, competitive mechanism to prototype and test innovative models to reach young men with HIV self-testing. Photo Credit: Matchboxology

The Process

Insight Research Process o What? Experiences with testing, benefits & risks of self-testing, preferences for self -testing o Who? Young men, their female sexual partners providers and community influencers o Where? Nairobi, Homa Bay & Kisumu o How? In-depth interviews, focus groups & facility observations; use of design methodologies

The Testing Journey Learning about HIV Trigger to test Testing Managing results

Learning about HIV For young men, testing has limited perceived benefits and high social costs. Denial is often the answer. Men know how to acquire HIV, but they do not know how to live with HIV. With many sexual behaviors (e. g multiple partners) intertwined with identity and livelihood, an HIV test does not keep you safe. Regardless of result, testing is a burden. “If I tested positive, I would need to change my whole life. What you don’t know can’t hurt you. ” --Young Man Kibera

Trigger to Test The strongest cue to action for testing come from the strongest personal relationship. “If my mom asked me to test, I would take it as a sign that she loves me. ” --Young Man Kisumu Testing is always an emotional experience. You cannot take that away. Trusting their capacity to accept a test result is the biggest determinant of men’s readiness to test. Trusted family members and creative persistent health workers prepare men to test.

Testing Testers want support, but never at the cost of privacy. Young men also crave human connection during the testing process. “It’s very alone and scary. I need someone on the Counselors/support needs to be on phone with me. He or she men’s terms, relatable, “like me”. doesn’t even need to say Product sold in unexpected settings may anything. ” increase privacy but reduce perceptions of quality and authenticity. --Young Man Kisumu

Managing results Young men want to preserve ownership and autonomy over healthcare decision making—especially after testing. “If I know I’m positive, I just need to go home and be alone for a few days. Services should be provided, but I will come back when I’m ready. ” --Young Man Nairobi Men will go to a healthcare provider only when they are ready to receive care. Some fear self-testing would make self-denial easier. Fear of losing a partner often supersedes the moral obligation of disclosing to a partner. Post-test counseling matters.

ADD photo

Acknowledgements o. All design research participants o. The staff at M 4 ID, Ylabs, Ideo. org and Matchboxology o. National AIDS and STI Control Program; National AIDS Control Council o. Population Services Kenya Photo Credit: Ideo. org o. Petra Stankard