Table 2.

Select issues and concerns on oral self-testing versus conventional blood testing* (N = 145).

Test accuracy	Acceptability	Concerns with linkages	Increase of HIV testing
“I prefer conventional right now because I am sure the result is more accurate than the self-test.”   “Only 99% effectiveness of the test might make me still want a blood test.”   “I am more confident the results of the conventional blood test and plus they might be able to test for other things at the same time.”   “I presently would not purchase self-test since they have not been used for long time. So I would doubt the accuracy. But if after 1 or 2 years, studies showed that it is accurate, I would prefer the self-test.”   “Concern over user error with oral self-test.”	“For people who hate needles it is an excellent alternative; quick, non-invasive, private and easy-to-do.”   “The oral test is easier, less painful and less time consuming...”   “Easy and straight forward.”   “I like the fact that the oral test is easy and low stress. Taking a test outside of an institutional setting is less nerve wrecking.”	“But the concern is lack of counselling in event of positive result when self-testing.”   “If the self-test is positive, what does one do? There should be steps listed of what to do afterwards because a positive result would be very disconcerting.”   “Also it seems that receiving the results from a doctor is safer, as receiving positive result should not happen alone.”   “Could lead to more people finding out their HIV status who might not otherwise get tested. But very important that appropriate counseling/education resources in place to support individuals who find out their positive status through a self-test.”	“I think it is a great idea, I would have gotten tested sooner it I knew it were an option.”   “This will make HIV testing much more accessible to people. I think that the hospital/clinic setting for blood tests discourage many people.”   “This sounds amazing, especially for regions where getting HIV testing is more difficult. I hope this becomes cheaply available in developing countries.”

*Participants were asked an open-ended question: “If you have other comments regarding oral self-testing versus conventional blood testing, please let us know.”