Participants demonstrated substantial knowledge about HIV, recognizing it as a serious disease primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Nearly half were informed about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, the lack of a definitive cure, and the possibility of living a normal life with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), as detailed in (Table 2). Participants had a favorable view of HIV self-testing; most had been tested within the past three months, including through self-test kits. While facility-based testing (VCT) was prevalent, a significant portion preferred the OraQuick self-test kit (Table 3). Among the 97 participants who used HIV self-testing, routine use and protecting loved ones were primary motivations. The predominant reason for avoiding testing was the fear of a positive result (Figure 1), while fear of stigmatization was the main obstacle to facility-based testing (Figure 2).

Participants recognizing HIV/AIDS as serious and informed about pre-exposure prophylaxis, as well as those identifying as sexually active, were more inclined to use HIV self-testing (Table 4).

Media exposure, notably the "Chukua Selfie" campaign, correlated with higher usage of HIV self-testing. Participants generally favored self-testing and would recommend it to others (Table 5).

Comparing barriers and facilitators for HIV self-testing among undergraduates, most participants hadn't used it, and no significant statistical link was found between demographic factors (age, gender, marital status) and self-testing usage (Table 6). However, several facilitators, such as knowledge about HIV/AIDS, awareness of pre- exposure prophylaxis, and considering oneself sexually active, were identified (Table 7)

The study revealed satisfactory HIV/AIDS knowledge among participants, contrasting a Malaysian study showing limited understanding of non-HIV STDs and alarming risky behaviors 14. This aligns with a Sudanese study where sexually active students showed willingness to engage in safe sex practices 15. A significant number had undergone HIV testing, reflecting a positive testing attitude, similar to S. Marks et al.'s findings on HIV self-testing preferences among young men16. Major barriers identified were fear of positive results and access to self-test kits, paralleling Y. Qin et al.'s study, which found HIVST reduced stigma 17. Risky sexual behavior among some participants highlighted the need for enhanced safe sex promotion. Stigma was a barrier, resonating with Clifton et al.'s study on HIV risk perception and testing behavior in the British population, revealing a disconnect between perceived risk and testing behavior18 .

The study found participants generally had positive attitudes towards those living with HIV, though some harbored fears and misconceptions. Media, especially social media, effectively raised HIV self-testing (HIVST) awareness, echoing Birdthistle et al.'s findings on the impact of a multimedia campaign in South Africa19. Participants valued the privacy and ease of interpreting self-test results at home. Accessibility and affordability of self-test kits were key, aligning with Y. Qin et al.'s research on reducing stigma through HIVST14. Repeat usage willingness was high among past self-test users, similar to the "4 Youth by Youth" Nigerian study by Iwelunmor et al. emphasizing youth engagement in HIV prevention20. Facilitators like HIV prevention education, routine testing, and protecting loved ones were also noted, supported by a study among African-American youths in North Carolina, highlighting these factors as enablers for self-testing 21.

The study showed 24% of participants had used HIV self-test kits, a moderate uptake akin to findings in Malawi and Zimbabwe among young people22. Female students' usage of self-testing was higher but not statistically significant, contrasting with Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey's higher reported testing in adolescent girls and young women23. Sexually active individuals were more inclined to use self-test kits, paralleling Izizag. B et al.'s findings on high acceptability among university students24. A tendency emerged where those with negative attitudes towards HIV-positive people were less likely to self-test, diverging from Kumwenda et al.'s study, which highlighted fears of relationship strain due to HIV-discordant results in couples25.