Risk, reassurance and routine: a qualitative study of narrative understandings of the potential for HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in England

摘要: HIV testing has seen a rapid evolution over the last decade with multiple modalities now in use globally. In recent years self-testing (HIVST) been legalised UK paving way for further expansion of testing. Interventions are delivered particular social contexts which shape uptake. It is therefore important to understand how novel interventions likely be received by their intended users. This study aims HIVST compliments existing strategies considered or adopted men who have sex (MSM). We do this analysing normative discourses surrounding and perceptions HIVST’s potential future roles. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted 47 MSM London, Manchester Plymouth. One included only reported higher risk behaviours one those had never tested HIV. Data analysed through thematic framework analysis. Three main narratives identified: (i) response specific event; (ii) as reassurance when there was small amount doubt anxiety related HIV; (iii) norms perpetuated peers, community groups medical establishment test regularly limited utility events except case significant structural barriers other opportunities. seeking reassurance, thought very useful satisfy needs expectations others around regular There some ambivalence about incursion clinical intervention into home. following will whom service provision insufficient meet immediate based on personal Obligations biological citizenship central MSM’s understanding HIVST. context biocitizenship, perceive dual roles: firstly tool manage (mild) one’s status an acknowledgment vulnerability arising from being homosexually active. Secondly, complying meeting perceived demands biomedicine.