Experiences of men who have sex with men in accessing HIV counselling and testing in Mdantsane Township, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Despite scientific evidence of a rapid increase in the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) who test positive for HIV, many African states continued to ignore and exclude MSM in healthcare planning and provision, resulting in their reluctance and refusal to access healthcare services.

Aim: This study aimed to explore, the lived experiences of MSM in accessing HIV Counselling and Testing services within the primary health care system in a township in South Africa.

Setting: Mdantsane Township, outside East London, Eastern Cape province.

Methods: This qualitative study was placed within the interpretive paradigm and employed a descriptive phenomenological research design. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. The study was inductive and utilised semi-structured in-depth interviews and an interview guide to collect data. A descriptive phenomenological data analysis method was employed to process and analyse the data.

Results: Five main themes emerged from the study, namely, (1) individual factors related to MSM’s experiences of nearby healthcare centres providing HCT; (2) interpersonal factors related to their experiences inside the clinic; (3) institutional factors related to lack of sensitisation; (4) community factors related to the role of public-private partnerships in improving healthcare services for MSM; and (5) public policy factors related to the role of government in ensuring accessibility of HCT policy to MSM.

Conclusion: Access to HCT services for MSM in Mdantsane was levels and there is an urgent need influenced by a myriad of complex factors at different socio-ecological levels, and there was an urgent need for tailormade interventions at all these socio-ecological levels to address challenges.

Contribution: This study contributes to scientific knowledge by bringing forth the voices of sexual minorities regarding the quality of healthcare service provision they expect to receive from their local clinics.