Table 1 Characteristics of included studies (n = 9)

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.