University students in Nigeria are a crucial demographic for HIV prevention, but testing rates within this group remain low. Student residence halls offer a strategic setting for intervention. Peer-led approaches to HIV self-testing and counselling have been suggested to improve uptake and mitigate barriers such as stigma and limited access to conventional health services. This systematic review aimed to synthesise and critically appraise the existing evidence on the effectiveness of a peer-led HIV self-testing and counselling model for students in the residence halls of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. A systematic search of multiple electronic databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they evaluated the specified peer-led model in the relevant setting. Data were extracted, and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed using appropriate critical appraisal tools. The search identified a limited number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The available evidence suggests the model is acceptable and feasible. Synthesised data indicate the intervention was associated with a significant increase in HIV testing uptake, with one study reporting over 80% of participants in intervention halls completed self-testing. Preliminary evidence indicates that a peer-led HIV self-testing model in Nigerian university residence halls is a promising approach for increasing testing rates. However, the current evidence base is limited, highlighting a need for more rigorous and large-scale evaluation. Future research should employ robust study designs to evaluate the model's long-term effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and impact on linkage to care. Programme planners should consider contextual adaptation of the model while ensuring comprehensive training and support for peer educators. HIV self-testing, peer-led intervention, university students, residence halls, Nigeria, systematic review This review consolidates the preliminary evidence on this specific intervention model, clarifying its potential and limitations to inform future research and public health programming.
Okonkwo et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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