Designing digital health tools that actually work and are easy to use is no easy task. It is tough to make something that people will use and find helpful. The person-based approach is one way to tackle this. It focuses on getting feedback from the people who will use the tool. But it doesn't spell out the steps needed to go from the initial idea to the final pro...
In 2022, Ghana saw a troubling increase in new HIV infections, with over 16, 500 cases reported. This issue is particularly concerning among men, who are less likely to get tested compared to women. The latest data shows that only 12% of men aged 15-49 have ever taken an HIV test, while 17% of women in the same age group have. This gap is surprising, especia...
In Henan, China, a significant number of young students are getting infected with HIV. This is a major concern because students are becoming a key group in the spread of the virus. A recent study looked into how much students know about HIV/AIDS, their attitudes towards it, their risky sexual behaviors, and how often they get tested for HIV. The study involved a surv...
In the United States, young adults who are transgender or nonbinary face a higher risk of HIV, and getting tested can be a real challenge. This isn't just about access to testing; it's about feeling safe and respected in healthcare settings. Imagine walking into a doctor's office and feeling like you can be yourself, without judgment. That's what gender-affirming pra...
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...
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in how people stay connected and access healthcare services. One critical area affected was HIV screening, particularly for high-risk groups. Traditional in-person HIV testing faced challenges due to social distancing policies and the spread of misinformation. However, social media platforms stepped in to bridge...
In Europe, HIV is still a big problem among women, and many chances to test for it are missed. Family Planning Centers (FPCs) should offer HIV testing, but they often don't. A small study in France checked if it's possible and acceptable for FPC staff who aren't doctors to offer quick HIV tests to visitors and their companions, even if they don't have a medical appoi...
The state of South Carolina is taking a proactive approach to combat HIV transmission by launching its fifth annual PrEP Awareness Week. This initiative is designed to increase awareness about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medication that can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV when taken consistently and as recommended. PrEP is a pill or injectabl...