JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

HIV self-testing (HIVST) among youth is an effective approach to enhance uptake of HIV testing recommended by the WHO. However, optimal strategies for delivering HIVST are limited, and the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted facility-based HIV testing services.

Objective:

To analyze a virtual World AIDS Day (WAD) crowdsourcing open call for youth responses on how to promote HIV self-testing among young people (14-24 years old) in Nigeria during COVID-19 restrictions.

Methods:

From November 2, 2020, to November 22, 2020, a World AIDS Day 2020 crowdsourcing open call was held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. The crowdsourcing open call followed WHO standardized steps. Nigerian youth participants aged 10-24 years old submitted ideas online through Google form or email in response to this crowdsourcing open call prompt: “How will you promote HIV self-testing among young people during COVID-19 measures?”

Results:

The crowdsourcing open call received a total of 125 eligible entries, 44 from women and 65 from men. The median age was 20 years old with the majority being in senior secondary school. Majority of participants lived in the South-West region (n=61) and in Lagos state (n=36). Twenty submissions received an average total score of 7.5 or above. The panel of judges ultimately selected three finalists. Three prominent themes were identified from the crowdsourcing open call submissions as specific ways that HIVST can adapt during COVID-19: 1) digital approaches (such as gamification, photo-verification system, and digital media) to generate demand for HIVST and avoid risks associated with attending clinics; 2) partnerships with influencers, role models, and leaders (such as religious and youth leaders and social influencers in businesses, churches, organizations, and schools) to build trust in HIVST services; and 3) awareness and sensitization through existing infrastructures (such as churches, schools, and health facilities).

Conclusions:

The crowdsourcing open call engaged a diverse number of youth who proposed a variety of ways to improve the uptake of HIVST during COVID-19 pandemic. Findings fill knowledge gaps on ways to reach young people with HIVST during and beyond the pandemic.