Youth Preferences for HIV Testing in South Africa: Findings from the Youth Action for Health (YA4H) Study Using a Discrete Choice Experiment

Candice M. Chetty-Makkan, Christopher J. Hoffmann, Salome Charalambous, Claire Botha, Simphiwe Ntshuntshe, Nolwazi Nkosi, Hae Young Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and quantified preferences for HIV testing among South African youth (Nov 2018 to Mar 2019). Six attributes and levels were identified through qualitative methods: source of HIV information; incentive amount and type; social support; testing method; and location. Each participant chose one of two options that comprised six attributes across 18 questions. Conditional logistic regression estimated the degree of preference [β]. Of 130 participants, median age was 21 years (interquartile range 19–23 years), majority female (58%), and 85% previously tested for HIV. Testing alone over accompanied by a friend (β = 0.22 vs. − 0.35; p < 0.01); SMS text over paper brochures (β = 0.13 vs. − 0.10; p < 0.01); higher incentive values (R50) over no incentive (β = 0.09 vs. − 0.07; p = 0.01); and food vouchers over cash (β = 0.06 vs. β = − 0.08; p = 0.01) were preferred. Testing at a clinic or home and family encouragement were important. Tailoring HTS to youth preferences may increase HIV testing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)182-190
Number of pages9
JournalAIDS and behavior
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Cellphone technology
  • Discrete choice experiment
  • HIV testing uptake
  • Incentives N = 149
  • Youth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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