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Submission information
Submission Number: 142
Submission ID: 997
Submission UUID: 98020165-11bc-4307-893c-fae0fb610543
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Sat, 05/17/2025 - 14:30
Completed: Sat, 05/17/2025 - 14:55
Changed: Sat, 05/31/2025 - 19:25
Remote IP address: 41.223.73.225
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Mr.
Nwaigwe
Charles
University of botswana
Charles Nwaigwe is a social development and research professional with over a decade of experience in M&E, project management, and community engagement. He is completing an MSW from the University of Botswana and holds a B.Sc. Ed. in Mathematics Education and a PMD Pro Level 1 certificate. Charles has worked on HIV/AIDS, maternal health, adolescent vulnerability, and social protection across Nigeria and Botswana. He has presented at global conferences and co-authored publications on adolescent health and health systems. His expertise spans mixed-methods research, and he is committed to evidence-based approaches that strengthen programs and influence policy for vulnerable populations.
Yes
Prof.
Shehu
Odireleng
University of Botswana
Prof. Odireleng Shehu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Utah and teaches clinical social work. Her research covers caregiving, violence against children, parenting, student counseling, disability, gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy. She has published widely on social protection, health, and caregiving. Dr. Shehu has worked with NGOs, faith-based organizations, and communities, and currently serves as the board chairperson of Kagisano Women’s Shelter, contributing significantly to gender and social welfare initiatives in Botswana.
Yes
Dr.
Masinga
Poppy
South African College of Applied Psychology
Dr. Poppy Masinga is Head of the Faculty of Social Work and Community Development at SACAP. She holds a DPhil in Social Work from the University of Pretoria and MSW degrees from SUNY Buffalo and Pretoria. Her career includes academic roles at Wits and Pretoria and practice in child welfare and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Masinga is President of ASASWEI, chairs the Africa Chapter of IASWG, and serves on the SACSSP panel. She also sits on editorial boards of international journals, with her research focusing on school violence prevention and social work education in South Africa.
Abstract
From Stigma to Strategy: Addressing Barriers to HIV Self-testing Access Among Adolescent and Young People in Botswana.
THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SUB 2.2 Research and practice strategies pertaining to health, mental health and wellbeing including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
Oral Presentation
The concept of HIV self-testing presents a promising opportunity to improve HIV diagnosis among adolescent and young people (AYP), a group often hindered by traditional testing method due to stigma, privacy concerns, and accessibility issues. Despite several interventions, uptake remains a challenge due to systemic and social barriers, such as costs, stigma, age of consent restrictions, misconceptions of HIVST, and the lack of youth-centric distribution channels. Thus, the aim of the study was to explore barriers to HIVST access among AYP. This qualitative study was conducted in Gaborone, Botswana. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods was used to recruit participants. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 35 AYP aged 16-24, of whom 18 participated in IDIs and 17 in FGDs. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings reveal that cost, stigma, misconceptions, and restricted age of consent policies are significant barrier factors to HIVST access. Addressing these structural and psychosocial barriers can significantly improve HIVST uptake, aligning with the National goals and sustaining the already achieved UNAIDS 2030 vision of 95-95-95.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Nontombi
Velelo
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Grey
Magaiza
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted