Exploring HIV Self-Sampling and Testing in the Netherlands: User Experiences and Challenges

In the Netherlands, HIV self-sampling and testing (HIVSS/ST) has become more accessible with the introduction of at-home tests around 2016. However, little data exists on how users experience this method. A recent study aimed to understand the characteristics and experiences of people using HIVSS/ST from both commercial and community-based providers. In 2022 and 2023, a survey was distributed to users who either bought a test online or received a free one from a community provider. The survey asked about usability, preferences, and barriers faced by users. The results showed that 133 users completed the survey, with 89 from the commercial provider and 44 from the community-based provider. The response rates were quite different, at 2% and 26%, respectively. Users from the commercial provider were more likely to be Gay and Bisexual Men (GBM), aged 35 and above, and born in the Netherlands. On the other hand, users from the community provider were more diverse in terms of age, sexual orientation, and birthplace. GBM were more likely to be repeat testers and to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Women and heterosexual men often bought the test as part of a combination Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) test package. The main reasons for choosing HIVSS/ST included saving time, maintaining anonymity, and avoiding a visit to the doctor. Despite the benefits, about 22% of users encountered problems with the testing process, with many struggling to obtain enough blood through the finger prick. To improve accessibility, users suggested increasing awareness through reliable providers, expanding testing locations to include pharmacies, supermarkets, and schools, and lowering the cost of the tests. The study highlights the value of HIVSS/ST as an additional testing method, but it also underscores the need for more research on how this method contributes to overall HIV prevention strategies.