Work

Qualitative insights from HIV service providers on integrating HIV self-testing within partner notification service and index testing in Bhutan

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Assisted partner notification services (aPNS) for HIV have long existed in Bhutan, primarily targeting pregnant mothers. With declining new HIV cases, partner identification increasingly relies on client-oriented approaches like HIV self-testing (HIVST), offering privacy and convenience. However, the role of HIVST in index testing remains unknown. A qualitative study employed two semi-structured focus group discussions with HIV service providers in Bhutan (n = 24), recruited through purposive sampling via six standalone Health Information and Service Centers and 14 hospital-based Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centers. Four main themes and eight sub-themes were constructed. The main themes include (1) aPNS implementation: systemic and institutional barriers, (2) Integrating HIVST into aPNS: balancing benefits and concerns, (3) HIVST distribution: understanding client and partner dynamics, (4) HIVST integration in aPNS: strategies to enhance implementation. Providers supported integrating HIVST into PNS but noted systemic and relational challenges that must be addressed for effective implementation.

Source: Journal of HIV & Social Services

DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2026.2613960

Authors: Lekey Khandu, Gemma Crawford, Justine E. Leavy, Daniel Vujcich, Jonathan Hallett

Institution: Curtin University

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Australian Government, Curtin University of Technology