Assessment of Knowledge and Acceptability of HIV Self-testing among Antenatal and Postnatal Clinic Attendees at Karshi General Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising complementary approach to facility-based HIV testing, particularly for improving privacy, convenience, and access to repeat testing among pregnant and postpartum women. However, limited knowledge and concerns about self-testing may affect its adoption. This study assessed knowledge and acceptability of HIVST among antenatal and postnatal clinic attendees at Karshi General Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 antenatal and postnatal clinic attendees. Participants were selected using stratified systematic sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics and HIVST-related responses. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests assessed associations between categorical variables, while multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with good HIVST knowledge. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results: Awareness of HIV/AIDS was high (97.5%), but only 41.5% of participants had heard of HIVST. Overall, 69.5% had poor knowledge of HIVST, while 30.5% had good knowledge. Knowledge was significantly associated with educational attainment (p = .031), occupation (p < .001), and monthly income/salary (p < .001). In the adjusted model, being a civil servant (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.53–14.07), having a monthly salary (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.38–8.76), and receiving a spouse/partner allowance (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.08–4.49) were independently associated with good knowledge. Despite limited prior exposure, 96.0% were willing to use HIVST if provided free of charge. Knowledge was not significantly associated with willingness (p = .702). Conclusion: HIVST acceptability was high despite substantial knowledge gaps among antenatal and postnatal clinic attendees. Integrating targeted HIVST education, accessible distribution channels, and appropriate support into maternal health services could strengthen informed uptake and use of HIVST in this population.