Who Tests, Who Doesn’t, and Why? Uptake of Mobile HIV Counseling and Testing in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania

Authors: Jan Ostermann, Elizabeth A. Reddy, Meghan M. Shorter, Charles Muiruri, Antipas Mtalo, Dafrosa K. Itemba, Bernard Njau, John A. Bartlett, John A. Crump, Nathan M. Thielman

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016488

Abstract Summary

Mobile HIV testing in rural Tanzania successfully reached high-risk individuals with fewer economic resources, but stigma and fear remained significant barriers. The study found that distance to testing sites was a major obstacle for first-time testers, while concerns about disclosure and inability to leave work deterred participation. Reducing HIV-related stigma through education could enhance mobile testing effectiveness.

Why Brain? 🧠

Mobile HIV testing in rural Tanzania reached higher-risk, lower-income individuals, but stigma and fear remained major barriers. Reducing these through education could improve testing uptake in vulnerable populations.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.