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| Theme | Subtheme | Illustrative quote |
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| Prior HIV test experience | Long wait times and overcrowding | “My experience was terrible. What I disliked most was the long wait before the result was disclosed to me.” (Businessman, 53 years) |
| Fear of stigma associated with testing | “The fear of being labeled HIV-positive made me uncomfortable.” (Civil servant, 34 years) |
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| Concerns and challenges with testing | Fear of a positive result | “Well, the fear is there. As a first-time tester, I had a lot of trouble with it.” (Civil servant, 32 years) |
| Lack of supportive attitudes from providers | “The healthcare workers were not as accommodating, offering no counseling, no smiles.” (Businessman, 39 years) |
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| Diverse opinions on the testing process | Positive experiences with counseling | “I can say my experience was good. I found the health workers welcoming.” (Civil servant, 34 years) |
| Discomfort and fear of stigma | “I was not comfortable prior to the test fortunately for me the result came out negative.” (Businessman, 58 years) |
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| Limited knowledge of self-testing | Surprise upon learning about self-testing | “Today is the first-time I am hearing about it.” (Businessman, 58 years) |
| Initial skepticism | “I didn’t think it was real. Later, I browsed the Internet and was surprised to find out that it really exists.” (Civil servant, 34 years) |
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| Perceived advantages of self-testing | Ease of use | “For my first self-testing experience, I was overwhelmed and nervous, it became easy and straightforward.” (Civil servant, 53 years) |
| Motivation for self-testing | “HIV self-testing gives one the flexibility and provides individuals with absolute confidence in knowing their health status.” (Civil servant, 32 years) |
| Privacy and confidentiality | “The idea of self-testing motivates me because one can carry out the test in their own space.” (Self-employed, 50 years) |
| Convenience and efficiency | “It is convenient to perform the test. HIVST bypasses those issues and prevents time wasted in queues.” (Businessman, 57 years) |
| Personal empowerment | “It puts one in charge and in control of their health enhances interest in protecting one’s health status.” (Civil servant, 48 years) |
| Increased detection of infection | “Doing the HIVST on my own would be easier to detect the infection early and seek treatment before it’s too late.” (Self-employed, 58 years) |
| Ease of use and speed | “It’s quick, can be done anywhere. There’s even no blood involved.” (Businessman, 53 years) |
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| Demotivators/reasons for avoidance | Lack of awareness | “I never knew there is a test for HIV that a person can do at home.” (Businessman, 53 years) |
| Concerns about lack of professional support | “They might act impulsively without the guidance of a trained medical professional.” (Civil servant, 34 years) |
| Concerns about the reliability of self-testing | “The test result may not be considered valid could invalidate the test result.” (Civil servant, 46 years) |
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| Lack of counseling and support | Worries about emotional distress | “There are many disadvantages. The test that a doctor or health care professional would perform is more accurate than a self-test.” (Civil servant, 33 years) |
| Recognition of the value of counseling | “One downside of self-testing is the lack of counseling pretest and posttest counseling should be provided.” (Self-employed, 65 years) |
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| Reduced chance of disclosure | Perception of reduced likelihood of seeking care | “There will be no linkage to treatment and prevention services. This can lead to the spread of the disease to many people.” (Civil servant, 33 years) |
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