Peer perspectives on assisted partner notification for HIV and syphilis testing among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Uganda: a qualitative study

The disproportionate burden of syphilis and HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is a global health challenge. We explored peer GBMSM perspectives on assisted partner notification (APN) for HIV and syphilis testing in Uganda. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected GBMSM peers, guided by the socio-ecological framework. Data were analysed using both inductive and deductive content analysis. The median age of the 20 GBMSM peers was 27 years (interquartile range [IQR], 22-35 years). Peer views on APN services included (1) individual-level perspectives: APN services prompted willingness or reluctance to undergo testing, with privacy, autonomy, and cultural norms considered essential for delivering these services; (2) community-level perspectives: trusted peers were instrumental in reaching GBMSM in safe environments that health workers could not access. Peers navigated deep-seated mistrust of government health services while promoting APN services and addressing concerns about new self-testing methods; and (3) health system-level perspectives: Using digital platforms to connect with GBMSM expanded the reach of APN services, and printed educational materials were perceived as more effective than video content in communicating information related to APN. While financial incentives initially increased testing rates, their removal was accompanied by reported barriers to continued engagement in testing. Overall, APN services were perceived to increase HIV and syphilis testing, and success relied on addressing privacy and cultural concerns, building community trust, peer engagement, and utilising health system strategies like digital outreach. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12982-026-01724-5.