Introduction:
In Bangladesh, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing coverage needs to increase in general. Traditional HIV testing services are yet to attract underprivileged and vulnerable populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG/hijra) people. For this purpose, priority should be given to communities, who are less aware of availability of HIV self-testing (HIVST). This study aimed to understand the awareness, willingness to perform HIVST, and preferred choices and views of young and adolescent MSM and TGs regarding HIV infection, and the proposed opportunity of HIV self-testing with risk perceptions.

Material and methods:
The study used a convenience sampling methodology to recruit participants among young MSM and TGs through Health Initiatives for Men (HIM) centers in Bangladesh. In each study site, one focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with each target group; there were 10 FGDs in five study sites, and 72 FGD participants in total.

Results:
The study findings revealed that, despite a poor awareness level, HIV self-testing by oral fluid was well-accepted among the young MSM and TGs. The majority of FGD participants preferred an oral saliva testing kit with assisted testing services. They also suggested to assess cost-effectiveness of various HIVST distribution strategies, ensuring pre- and post-test counseling, referral for a confirmatory test (facility-based), and link with an antiretroviral center if needed.

Conclusions:
HIVST has the potential to strongly impact rapid scaling-up of existing testing procedures. Therefore, collaboration between government and community stakeholders is required to identify the most optimal strategies of HIVST implementation, considering cost-effectiveness of HIVST kits.