Bsgh Lab

May your Eid-al-Adha be filled with love, peace, blessings and the spirit of sacrifice.

…from the BSGH Lab Team.

BSGH Lab New Research Alert! 📢

The BSGH Lab is proud to share our latest publication:
“At-home HIV self-testing vs. at-clinic HIV testing preference among trans-women in Ghana’s slums.”

While HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers a private and empowering alternative to traditional clinic visits, our qualitative study shows that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the answer. From privacy concerns among slum dwellers to the need for professional counseling, our research highlights the importance of dual-modality testing strategies.

Congratulations to the team:
Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are,
Osman Wumpini Shamrock,
George Rudolph Kofi Agbemedu, and
Henry Delali Dakpui.

Read more here: https://journals.library.torontomu.ca/index.php/ihtp/article/view/2759

BSGH Lab New Research Publication…

We are proud to announce the publication of our latest study in PLOS One, focusing on the health and autonomy of African refugee male s*x workers (ARMSWs) in Italy.

Title: HIV self-testing awareness among African refugee male s*x workers in Italy: A mixed-methods study.

While HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been available in Italy, our research highlights that structural barriers still keep this life-saving tool out of reach for those who need it most.

Key Insights:
Low Awareness: Only 45% of participants were aware that HIV self-testing exists.
Untapped Potential: Among those aware of the tool, fewer than half had ever used one, despite high interest in its privacy and convenience.
The Education Factor: Higher educational attainment and prior experience with STI testing were the strongest predictors of whether someone knew about HIVST.
Pathways to Access: Community centers and peer-led networks remain the most trusted and effective sources for distributing testing kits.

Significance of the study:
To improve health equity, we must move beyond passive availability. Our findings call for peer-led outreach and culturally tailored health literacy programs to ensure that every individual has the tools to manage their health with dignity and privacy.

Congratulations to the research team: Henry Delali Dakpui, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Mubarik Sena Saaka, Donte Boyd, Orlando Harris, and Giovanni Zardini.

Read the full open-access study here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343441