Factors Contributing Toward Men’s Engagement With HIV Services: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Within low- and middle-income countries, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) falls among the main causes of adult morbidity and mortality. In order to achieve epidemic control, targeted testing with the aim of identifying those unaware of their infection with HIV remains the first step in a series of efforts that include constant extension of HIV treatment programs, as well as other prevention interventions. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a new intervention that is capable of increasing the uptake of HIV-testing services (HTS) within traditionally hard-to-reach populations, such as men. We sought to review the literature on factors contributing to male aversion of HTS, health education for men and their engagement in health services, and the rate of HIVST acceptability among men. We reveal poor health-seeking behavior as the underlying factor contributing to poor uptake of HTS by men. Furthermore, our review reveals that health education programs have been recommended to address poor health-seeking behavior and improve HTS uptake among men. Studies reported high acceptability of HIVST among men. We conclude by proposing a framework to help improve men’s engagement in health services in general.