Lived experiences of Household-Based HIV Testing Among Youths in Kaunda Square Community in Zambia: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Design

This study explores the lived experiences of household-based HIV testing among youths in Kaunda square community in Zambia, a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Despite Zambia’s ongoing efforts to combat HIV through expanded HIV testing and counseling initiatives, testing uptake among youths remains low due to persistent barriers such as stigma, discrimination fears, privacy concerns, and limited access to healthcare facilities. Household-based HIV testing a community-level intervention where trained health workers provide testing and counseling services directly in people's homes has emerged as a promising approach to overcome these barriers. While this strategy has proven effective in increasing testing coverage across sub-Saharan Africa, limited research has explored the experiences of Zambian youths with this model. This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design. Purposive sampling with snowball sampling was used to explore and interpret the lived experiences of 18 youths who underwent household-based HIV testing in Kaunda Square, a peri-urban community within Lusaka’s Munali Constituency. The research examined perceptions of accessibility, stigma, confidentiality, and the influence of social and cultural factors on youths' decision-making. Findings revealed a range of responses, from increased comfort and reduced stigma, to concerns about privacy and community dynamics. Family involvement provided support yet introduced emotional tension and the experience reshaped HIV awareness, fostering both empowerment and vulnerability. Household based HIV testing showed promise as a youth-friendly strategy and its success depends on culturally sensitive delivery that safeguards autonomy and promotes trust.