Table 1.

Characteristics of included studies (n = 9)

Author (year of study)	Country	Study aim	Study design and methods	Participants	Summary of findings
Peck et al.,(2013) [5]	Kenya, Malawi, South Africa	To evaluate the usability of a wide variety of test features suitable for HIV self-test kits.	Mixed method approach design-in-depth interviews; A framework approach	Women (n = 150) aged 18 years and older	Pictorial instructions, simple sample collection with integrated test components, and easy steps for interpretation of results may facilitate usability of HIVST.
Njau et al., (2011) [15]	Tanzania	To identify characteristics of HIV testing options associated with individuals’ preferences for HIV testing.	Qualitative design-in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; a note based approach.	Men (n = 18) and Women (n = 22) aged 18 years and older.	Self-test for HIV was perceived less feasible for scale-up due to the unfamiliarity of HIVST; lack of counseling and accuracy of test results were perceived barriers.
vanRooyen et al.,(2015) [21]	Kenya, Malawi, South Africa	To assess the perceptions of HIVST among stakeholders in three sub-Saharan countries.	Qualitative design-in-depth interviews; thematic analysis.	HIV policy makers, HIV experts, and health care providers (n = 54).	HIVST is an important complementary approach to existing conventional HIV testing services; contextual and operational evidence needed to contribute to normative WHO guidance.
Choko et al. (2016) [22]	Malawi	To explore views regarding the acceptability of offering HIV-self test kits alone or in combination with linkage intervention to ANC attendees aimed at their male partners.	Qualitative design-in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; simple descriptive content analysis.	Men (n = 28) and Pregnant women (n = 34) aged 18 years and older attending ANC	Perceived highly acceptability of woman-delivered HIVST among pregnant women attending ANC and their male partners; HIVST was not likely to lead to adverse events (i.e., IPV); conditional financial incentives may motivate male partners to link into HIV care post-HIVST.
Makusha et al., (2013) [23]	South Africa	To explore attitudes, opinions, and experiences among key stakeholders regarding HIVST in South Africa.	Qualitative design-in-depth interviews; constant comparison method	Key HIV stakeholders, including government officials, HIV experts, health care providers (n = 12)	HIVST has the potential to reach hard-to-reach groups, including men.
Jennings et al., (2015) [24]	Tanzania	To assess perceived cost advantages and disadvantages of using HIVST kits among infrequent and never HIV-tested urban men in Tanzania.	Mixed-method design-in-depth interviews; Inductive content analysis	Men (n = 23) aged 15 years and older	Financial gains and losses influence men’s decision process to HIVST; low fees or free HIVST, reduced travel time, clinical costs, and, time lost from earning income may increase the uptake of HIVST.
Kumwenda et al.,(2013) [25]	Malawi	To explore factors shaping the decision-making of cohabiting couples who opted to self-test in Blantyre, Malawi.	Qualitative design-in-depth interviews; detailed content analysis.	Men (n = 17), and Women (n = 17) aged 18 years and older	Gender roles and relationship dynamics may influence the implementation of community-based HIVST among couples.
Knight et al. (2017) [26]	South Africa	To assess the perceived usability and acceptability of HIVST among lay users using several self-test prototypes.	Mixed-method design-in-depth interviews and exit questionnaire;	Men (n = 23) and Women (n = 27) lay users aged 18 years and older in rural and peri-urban settings.	Perceived highly acceptability and readiness in the context of prototypes influenced by usability and perceived needs. Perceived easiness-to-use, privacy, autonomy, ease access, widespread availability of test kits, low or free kits, emerged as important factors influencing acceptability and desirability.
Indravudh et al., (2016) [27]	Malawi & Zimbabwe	To identify young people’s preferences for HIV-self-testing (HIVST) delivery, determine the relative strength of preferences, and explore behaviours and perceptions underlying preferences.	Mixed-method design-in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; Framework analysis	Men (n = 54) and Women (n = 68) aged 16–25 years old.	Young people believe that home-based distribution of low price self-test kits may optimize HIVST services.