scholarly journals S08.2 Self-testing and e-STI: the Dutch experience with home-based and internet-based services and transformation into effective implementation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Op de Coul
Keyword(s):  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Dutch Experience

scholarly journals Testing strategies for couple engagement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and family health in Kenya: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Kwena ◽  
Liza Kimbo ◽  
Lynae A. Darbes ◽  
Abigail M. Hatcher ◽  
Anna Helova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
Testing And Counseling

Abstract Background HIV-related maternal deaths and HIV infection among infants remain unacceptably high across sub-Saharan Africa despite increased antenatal care attendance and provision of antiretroviral therapy to pregnant women. In the Jamii Bora (“Better Family” in Swahili) Study, we seek to test the efficacy of an interdependence theory-based couple intervention. The intervention reaches pregnant women and male partners through home visits by male-female pairs of lay health workers. The aim is to increase access to home-based couples’ HIV testing and counseling services to improve family health. Methods This is a three-arm randomized control trial among 1080 pregnant women 15 years of age or older, living with their male partners, and who have not undergone couples’ HIV testing and counseling in Kisumu and Migori Counties in Kenya. Couples will be randomized into three groups: home-based couple visits, HIV self-testing kits for couple use, or standard care (male partner clinic invitation letters). Participants will be followed up to 18 months postpartum. The study has three aims: in aim 1, we will determine the effects of the intervention on our primary outcome of couple HIV testing, compared to HIV self-testing kits and standard care; in aim 2, we will examine the intervention impact on HIV prevention behaviors, facility delivery, and postnatal healthcare utilization, as well as secondary health outcomes of maternal viral suppression and HIV-free child survival up to 18 months for couples living with HIV; and in aim 3, we will compare the cost-effectiveness of the home-based couple intervention to the less resource-intensive strategies used in the other two study arms. Assessments with couples are conducted at baseline, late pregnancy, and at months 3, 6, 12, and 18 after birth. Discussion The results from this study will inform decision-makers about the cost-effective strategies to engage pregnant couples in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and family health, with important downstream benefits for maternal, paternal, and infant health. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03547739. Registered on May 9, 2018

scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of Home-based Self-testing for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antibodies for Population Surveillance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Atchison ◽  
Philippa Pristerà ◽  
Emily Cooper ◽  
Vasiliki Papageorgiou ◽  
Rozlyn Redd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Population Surveillance ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
National Study ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Usability Feedback

Abstract Background This study assesses acceptability and usability of home-based self-testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies using lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA). Methods We carried out public involvement and pilot testing in 315 volunteers to improve usability. Feedback was obtained through online discussions, questionnaires, observations, and interviews of people who tried the test at home. This informed the design of a nationally representative survey of adults in England using two LFIAs (LFIA1 and LFIA2) which were sent to 10 600 and 3800 participants, respectively, who provided further feedback. Results Public involvement and pilot testing showed high levels of acceptability, but limitations with the usability of kits. Most people reported completing the test; however, they identified difficulties with practical aspects of the kit, particularly the lancet and pipette, a need for clearer instructions and more guidance on interpretation of results. In the national study, 99.3% (8693/8754) of LFIA1 and 98.4% (2911/2957) of LFIA2 respondents attempted the test and 97.5% and 97.8% of respondents completed it, respectively. Most found the instructions easy to understand, but some reported difficulties using the pipette (LFIA1: 17.7%) and applying the blood drop to the cassette (LFIA2: 31.3%). Most respondents obtained a valid result (LFIA1: 91.5%; LFIA2: 94.4%). Overall there was substantial concordance between participant and clinician interpreted results (kappa: LFIA1 0.72; LFIA2 0.89). Conclusions Impactful public involvement is feasible in a rapid response setting. Home self-testing with LFIAs can be used with a high degree of acceptability and usability by adults, making them a good option for use in seroprevalence surveys.

scholarly journals Barriers to HIV Testing and Opportunities for Expansion Using Home-Based HIV Self-Testing: Results of a National Study of Higher HIV Risk Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402110168
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Marks ◽  
Roland C. Merchant ◽  
Melissa A. Clark ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
Joshua G. Rosenberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Study ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
The Past ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men

HIV incidence among young adult men-who-have-sex-with-men (YMSM) is among the highest in the United States (US), yet YMSM have lower rates of HIV testing than most other MSM. Among 1,835 U.S. Black, Hispanic, and White YMSM who reported condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the prior year, 30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [28%, 32%]) had not been tested for HIV in the past year as recommended by national guidelines, and 19% (95% CI: [17%, 21%]) had never been tested. Factors associated with not being tested in the past year included not having a primary care provider (PCP)) (odds ratio [OR]: 2.00, 95% CI: [1.53, 2.60]), discomfort with asking a PCP for an HIV test (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: [2.05, 3.44]), living in a smaller community (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: [1.35, 2.18]), younger age (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: [1.53, 2.60]), and greater self-perception of having an undiagnosed HIV infection (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: [1.07, 1.99]). YMSM who had not been tested in the prior year were less likely to know where to get tested, yet were interested in trying home-based HIV self-testing. This study shows that knowledge, clinician-relationship, geographic, and perceptional barriers must be overcome to improve HIV testing among YMSM. Home-based HIV self-testing may address some of these barriers, particularly for YMSM living in smaller communities.

scholarly journals HOSENG trial – Effect of the provision of oral self-testing for absent and refusing individuals during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign on testing coverage: protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Amstutz ◽  
Thabo Ishmael Lejone ◽  
Lefu Khesa ◽  
Josephine Muhairwe ◽  
Bienvenu Lengo Nsakala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
High Coverage ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Household Members ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Testing Coverage

Abstract BACKGROUND HIV testing coverage remains below the targeted 90% despite efforts and resources invested. Home-based HIV testing is a key approach endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), especially to reach individuals who might not seek testing otherwise. Although acceptance of test-ing during such campaigns is high, coverage remains low due to absent household members. This cluster-randomized trial aims to assess increase in testing coverage using oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) among individuals who are absent or decline testing during home-based HIV testing. METHODS The HOSENG (HOme-based SElf-testiNG) trial is a cluster-randomized, parallel group, superiority trial in two districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. Clusters are stratified by district, village size, and village access to the nearest health facility. Cluster eligibility criteria include: village is in catchment area of one of the study facilities, village authority provides consent, and village has a registered, capable and consenting village health worker (VHW). In intervention clusters, HIV self-tests are provided for eligible household members who are absent or decline HIV testing in presence of the campaign team. In control clusters, standard of care for absent and refusing individuals applies, i.e. referral to health facility. The primary outcome is HIV testing coverage among individuals 12 years and older within 120 days after enrolment. Secondary objectives include HIV testing coverage among other age groups, and uptake of the different testing modalities. Statistical analyses will be conducted and reported in line with CONSORT guidelines. HOSENG trial is linked to VIBRA (Village-Based Refill of ART) trial. Together, they constitute the GET ON (GETting tOwards Ninety) research project. DISCUSSION The HOSENG trial tests if oral HIVST may be an add-on during door-to-door testing campaigns towards achieving optimal testing coverage. The provision of oral self-test kits, followed up by VHWs, requires little additional human resources, finances and logistics. If cost-effective, this approach will inform home-based HIV testing policies not only in Lesotho, but in similar high-prevalence settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03598686) on July 25, 2018. More information under www.getonproject.wordpress.com.

scholarly journals Self-Testing as an Invaluable Tool in Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110477
Author(s):  
Paraskevi Goggolidou ◽  
Ioannis Hodges-Mameletzis ◽  
Satvinder Purewal ◽  
Aikaterini Karakoula ◽  
Tracy Warr
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prick Test ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test

Objectives: The United Kingdom and a number of European Union countries are offering and distributing rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) for self-test use to detect SARS-CoV-2. For instance, Greece, in the midst of its third wave of COVID-19, announced the provision of RADTs for self-testing through retail pharmacies. With the aim to determine the acceptability and feasibility of COVID-19 self-testing, we ran a cross-sectional survey on residents of Greece and Cyprus, aged over 18 years. Methods: An online survey using the JISC platform was distributed to 1000 individuals who completed the survey anonymously. Data was collated and analyzed for complete responses by chi-squared and logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 248 complete responses were obtained, with balanced gender distribution and particular demographics representative of the 2 countries. The majority of participants (79%; n = 196) reported willingness to self-test and the remaining individuals reported no (10.5%; n = 26) or don’t know (10.5%; n = 26). Being a university graduate significantly predicted the likelihood of being willing to self-test (odds ratio [OR] = 3.455, P < .001). Pearson Chi-square test found significant differences between university graduates versus non-graduates on the type of COVID-19 test preferred (χ2 = 8.95, df = 3, P < .03); graduates were more likely to prefer saliva testing and less likely to prefer the finger prick test than non-graduates. Conclusions: Our survey data evidences the acceptability of home-based self-testing, with a preference for saliva as choice of biological material for sampling. A number of factors, such as accessible reporting, contact tracing infrastructures, central registration, and validation for the implementation of different RADTs need to be taken collectively into consideration before self-testing can be universally and reliably scaled up.

Sociodemographic characteristics of adolescents preferring home-based HIV self-testing over facility-based voluntary counseling and testing: a cross-sectional study in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Tonen-Wolyec ◽  
Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa ◽  
Salomon Batina-Agasa ◽  
Alliance Tagoto Tepungipame ◽  
Charles Kayembe Tshilumba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Study Questionnaire

HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers an alternative to facility-based voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as adolescents. This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with adolescents preferring home-based HIVST over facility-based VCT in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A representative cross-sectional study using random sampling in clusters at three levels was conducted among adolescents (aged 15–19 years) to assess their hypothetical preference in home-based HIVST over facility-based VCT by a face-to-face, paper-based, semi-structured questionnaire, and logistic regression for statistical analysis. In 353 households, 754 adolescents were assessed for eligibility, of whom 628 were eligible. A total of 597 adolescents completed the study questionnaire. A majority of participants were aged 18–19 and of female gender. More than two-thirds of participants had never been tested for HIV and had no knowledge about HIVST before this survey. Among 597 adolescents who had completed the study questionnaire, a slight majority of participants (323/597; 54.1% [95% CI: 50.0–58.0]) preferred home-based HIVST over facility-based VCT. In a multivariate analysis, male gender (adjusted OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1), marriage or partnered civil status (adjusted OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–3.1), and previous knowledge about HIVST (adjusted OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.6–6.8) were associated with preference for home-based HIVST over facility-based VCT. This study demonstrates that more adolescents preferred home-based HIVST over facility-based VCT in Kisangani. These observations suggest the existence of a specific sociodemographic profile associated with the acceptance of HIVST in adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa.

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