Reasons for HIV testing and testing experiences among men testing for HIV in Cape Town, South Africa.

Healthcare workers initiating HIV testing was a key factor influencing men's testing behavior, which men generally accepted.

• Healthcare workers proactively initiating testing was identified as one of three primary influences on men's HIV testing experiences
• Men's general acceptance of healthcare worker-initiated testing suggests provider-initiated approaches may be effective for reaching male populations
• Data collected through individual interviews with 15 men and 5 healthcare workers in Cape Town between February and May 2024
• Thematic analysis guided by a conceptual framework of access to healthcare was applied to the data

Male-friendly and men's clinics were limited in availability but were considered approachable and preferred over general health facilities by men.

• Availability of male-friendly and men's clinics was identified as one of three primary influences on men's HIV testing experiences
• These specialized facilities were described as 'approachable and preferred over general facilities'
• The limited availability of such clinics was noted as a barrier to men's HIV testing access
• Participants included community leaders (n=6) and community health workers (n=4) who provided contextual perspectives on facility availability

Men's engagement in sexual behaviors that increased HIV exposure motivated HIV testing following self-reflection.

• Self-awareness of risky sexual behaviors was identified as one of three primary influences on men's HIV testing
• Self-reflection on sexual risk behaviors was described as a motivating factor for men to seek testing
• This finding emerged from individual interviews with 15 men and focus group discussions involving men, women, and mixed groups
• Six focus group discussions were conducted with 5-7 participants per group

Men experienced emotional distress including anxiety and fear during HIV testing, but no support services were available to help cope with these emotions.

• Emotional distress was reported despite men accessing testing services
• Specific emotions identified included anxiety and fear associated with HIV testing
• Support services to cope with these emotions were described as 'unavailable'
• The absence of psychological support was identified as a gap affecting not only the testing experience but also linkage to care following HIV-positive diagnoses

The study identified a need to integrate psychological support services with HIV testing and treatment for men.

• Findings highlighted the need to integrate psychological support services with HIV testing and treatment
• Social support was identified as important to help men manage testing-related anxiety and cope with HIV-positive diagnoses
• Improved linkage to care was noted as an outcome that could be achieved through better psychological and social support
• The study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa between February and May 2024 using purposive sampling

The study used a qualitative design with purposively selected participants across multiple participant categories in Cape Town, South Africa.

• Participants included 15 men, 5 healthcare workers, 4 community health workers, and 6 community leaders in individual interviews
• Six focus group discussions were conducted with groups of men, women, and mixed groups of men and women (5-7 participants per group)
• Data collection occurred between February and May 2024
• Thematic analysis guided by a conceptual framework of access to healthcare was the analytical approach used