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Table 7 Result of qualitative study analysis (challenges of HIV self-testing and proposed solutions)

From: The study of feasibility and acceptability of using HIV self-tests in high-risk Iranian populations (FSWs, MSM, and TGs): a cross-sectional study

Challenges

Proposed solutions

Distribution and access to HIVST

Provision of the HIVST in selected centers (currently, this method is suitable):

Selecting centers with appropriate space and maintaining confidentiality with the help of trained experts and peers

Access to these centers should be as easy as possible

Provision of the HIVST in hangouts:

Distribution of the HIVST by peers in hangouts and high-risk population gathering places

Establishing the HIVST provision centers in places close to hangouts

Provision of the HIVST in pharmacies

Provision of the HIVST in online stores

Elimination of legal barriers to distribution or access to HIVST

Counseling on how to perform the HIVST

In-person or face-to-face consultation:

Setting up or developing centers for the distribution of HIVST with the presence of trained experts or using trained peers to provide sufficient and complete explanations about HIVST, how to do the test, and receive results

More emphasis on how to perform the HIVST and how to read the results

Online counseling

Launching training webinars and online training Web sites with experts or trained peers

Preparation and distribution of pamphlets and educational brochures during HIVST distribution or online pamphlets and brochures for high-risk groups

How to do the HIVST

Providing appropriate and sufficient training on how to perform the HIVST

More appropriate distribution of educational materials related to how to perform HIVST

Announcing the HIVST result

Receiving test results in person or online if a suitable platform is prepared

Setting up the monitoring system for high-risk groups after receiving HIVST

Setting up a system of psychological and psychiatric counseling for high-risk groups (online or in-person) after receiving the HIVST results

Connection with treatment care centers

Providing appropriate training to gain the trust of high-risk groups to refer healthcare centers

Providing incentives and gifts for referring to healthcare centers

Setting up healthcare centers in the closest and most accessible places for high-risk groups

Providing free or low-cost medical services in healthcare centers