scholarly journals Early observations from the HIV self-testing program among key populations and sexual partners of pregnant mothers in Kampala, Uganda: A cross sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e0000120
Author(s):  
Esther Nasuuna ◽  
Florence Namimbi ◽  
Patience A. Muwanguzi ◽  
Donna Kabatesi ◽  
Madina Apolot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Confirmatory Testing ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Positive Results

Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) was adopted for key populations (KPs) and sexual partners of pregnant and lactating women (mothers) in Uganda in October 2018. We report early observations during HIVST implementation in Kampala, Uganda. Methods HIVST was rolled out to reach those with unknown HIV status at 38 public health facilities, using peer-to-peer community-based distribution for female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) and secondary distribution for mothers, who gave HIVST kits to their partners. Self-testers were asked to report results within 2 days; those who did not report received a follow-up phone call from a trained health worker. Those with HIV-positive results were offered confirmatory testing at the facility using the standard HIV-testing algorithm. Data on kits distributed, testing yield, and linkage to care were analysed. Results We distributed 9,378 HIVST kits. Mothers received 5,212 (56%) for their sexual partners while KPs received 4,166 (44%) (MSM, 2192 [53%]; FSW1, 974, [47%]). Of all kits distributed, 252 (3%) individuals had HIV-positive results; 126 (6.5%) FSW, 52 (2.3%) MSM and 74 (1.4%) partners of mothers. Out of 252 individuals who had HIV-positive results, 170 (67%) were confirmed HIV-positive; 36 (2%) were partners of mothers, 99 (58%) were FSW, and 35 (21%) were MSM. Linkage to treatment (126) was 74%. Conclusions HIVST efficiently reached, tested, identified and modestly linked to care HIV positive FSW, MSM, and partners of mothers. However, further barriers to confirmatory testing and linkage to care for HIV-positive self-testers remain unexplored.

Peer assisted HIV self-testing increases positivity rates among key populations in Burundi: descriptive analysis of routine programmatic data (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Lillie ◽  
Dorica Boyee ◽  
Gloriose Kamariza ◽  
Alphonse Nkunzimana ◽  
Dismas Gashobotse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Case Finding ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Standard Testing ◽  
Art Initiation ◽  
Treatment Standard ◽  
Self Testing

BACKGROUND In Burundi, given the low testing numbers among key populations, peer assisted HIV self-testing (HIVST) was initiated for female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender people (TG) to provide another testing option. HIVST was provided by existing peer outreach workers (POWs) who were trained to provide support before, during, and after the administration of the test. People who screened reactive were referred and actively linked to confirmatory testing, and those confirmed positive were linked to treatment. Standard testing included HIV testing by clinical staff either at mobile clinics or in facilities. OBJECTIVE The objective was to improve access to HIV testing to underserved KP members, increase HIV positivity rates, and link those who were confirmed HIV positive with life-saving treatment for epidemic control. METHODS A descriptive analysis of routine programmatic data was conducted from a nine-month implementation period (June 2018-March 2019) of peer assisted HIVST among FSWs, MSM, and TG in six provinces where the USAID- and PEPFAR-funded LINKAGES Burundi project worked. Chi-squared tests were used to compare case-finding rates among individuals tested through HIVST versus standard testing. RESULTS A total of 2,198 HIVST test kits were administered (1,791 FSWs, 363 MSM, 44 TG). Three hundred and sixty-six people (17%) were reactive to HIV screening (296 FSWs, 60 MSM, 10 TG); 314 (14%) were confirmed HIV positive (257 FSWs, 47 MSM, 10 TG); and 301 (96%) (251 FSWs, 40 MSM, 10 TG) of those confirmed were initiated on treatment. HIV case-finding rates were significantly higher with HIVST compared to standard testing for FSW and MSM but not TG: FSWs (14% vs. 9%, P < .001); MSM (13% vs. 4%, P < .001); and TG (23% vs. 17%, P > .10). ART initiation rates were significantly lower for MSM confirmed HIV positive through HIVST than through standard testing (85% vs. 99%, P < .001) but not among FSWs or TG (FSWs: 98% vs. 97%, P > .10; TG: 100% vs. 100%). CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of HIVST in identifying individuals who are living with HIV.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KPs), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group. Results: Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion: Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Low engagement in HIV services and progress through the treatment cascade among key populations living with HIV in Mozambique: alarming gaps in knowledge of status

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini A. S. Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011–2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group. Results Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Uptake of oral-based HIV self-testing among Key Populations taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in central Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matovu John Bosco ◽  
Jayne Byakika Tusiime ◽  
Roy William Mayega ◽  
Sylivia Nalubega
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Testing Uptake ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Introduction: HIV incidence is higher among key populations such as sex workers, fishermen and men who have sex with men. HIV self-testing among key populations taking HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis has not been studied in Uganda yet it could be an alternative testing approach for these population categories. We assessed the uptake of oral based HIV self-testing among key populations enrolled on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Uganda. Methods : A mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted on 366 key populations attending Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis clinics at MARPI Mulago and Kasensero HC II Uganda, during May-August 2018. Respondents aged 15 years and above with no prior history of HIV self-testing were issued with “Oraquick” HIV rapid diagnostic test (kit) for self-testing. Data were collected using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire and through in depth interviews of selected respondents. A chi square test was performed to determine association between socio demographic, economic factors and propensity to uptake HIV self-testing. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of HIV self-testing uptake. Thematic analysis was performed to explore factors that promote and inhibit HIV self-testing uptake. Results : HIV self-testing acceptability was 100% (365/365) with 73% (n=265) of respondents willing to pay for a kit. Of these, 85%(n=227) would pay not more than 1.4USD. Sixty-six percent (n=243) of respondents had high propensity to uptake HIV self-testing. Predictors of uptake were clinic location (rural vs urban) (aOR = 17.63 95% CI 8.44 – 36.81, p<0.001); Key Population category (female sex worker’s vs others) aOR= 4.36 (95% CI: 1.63 – 11.66, p=0.003) and education level ( < primary vs post primary) aOR=0.38 (95% CI: 0.20 – 0.73). Using an oral fluid based kit “Oraquick” was reported to be free of pain, convenient, easy to use and time saving. A multimodal approach to distributing HIV self-testing kits was suggested by respondents. Conclusion HIV self-testing can be an alternative to the conventional routine 3 monthly follow up HIV screening for key populations on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. Kits’ distribution may employ several models. Majority of key populations would afford the kits at a cost not more than 1.4USD.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group.Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group.Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services.Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group.Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey.Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Sexual behaviour patterns and STI risk: results of a cluster analysis among men who have sex with men in Portugal

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e033290
Author(s):  
Karel Blondeel ◽  
Sonia Dias ◽  
Martina Furegato ◽  
Armando Seuc ◽  
Ana Gama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesPortugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.DesignA cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a community-based participatory research approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns including behavioural and demographic factors.ResultsThe analysis resulted in six clusters. Three clusters showed higher rates of current STI diagnosis (ranging from 11.7% to 17.1%), past STI diagnosis (ranging from 25.5% to 41.5%) and HIV positive serostatus (ranging from 13.0% to 16.7%). From the three clusters scoring lower on current and past STI and HIV diagnoses, one was characterised by a high number of sexual partners (62% had more than 12 partners in the last year), a high proportion (94.6%) of frequent visits to gay venues to meet sexual partners and high alcohol use (46.1%). The other two clusters scored lower on high risk sexual behaviour.ConclusionFactors other than sexual behaviour appear to reinforce the vulnerability to STIs and HIV of some MSM in this study, suggesting a syndemic of STIs, HIV and other adverse conditions. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of the STI/HIV epidemic in Portuguese MSM, using a concept that goes beyond risk behaviour, to develop effective combination prevention interventions.

Feasibility of Indirect Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Test Kits via WeChat Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A National Cross-Sectional Study in China (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Shangcao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Tianyi Lu ◽  
Yangyang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Secondary Distribution ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The use of HIV self-test (HST) kits is commonplace in key sexually active populations. The direct secondary distribution of HST kits (DSDHK) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV self-testing. However, there are concerns about various limitations of DSDHK, including limited geographic location, payment problems, and face-to-face interaction. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the feasibility and characteristics of the indirect secondary distribution of HST kits (ISDHK) via WeChat (distributing HST application links and follow-up HST kits to partners) among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS From October 2017 to September 2019, an HIV self-testing (HIVST) recruitment advertisement was disseminated on the WeChat social media platform to invite MSM to apply for HST kits (referred to as “index participants” [Ips]). All of the MSM participants were encouraged to distribute the HST application link to their friends and sexual partners (referred to as “Alters”) through their social networks. All Alters were further encouraged to continue to distribute the HST application link. All participants paid a deposit (USD 7), refundable upon completion of the questionnaire and uploading of the test result via an online survey system. RESULTS 2,263 MSM met the criteria and successfully applied for HST. Of these, 1,816 participants returned their HST test results, including 1,422 (88.3%) IPs and 394 (21.7%) Alters. Compared with the IPs, the Alters practiced more condomless anal intercourse (CAI), a higher proportion of them never previously had an HIV test, and they had a greater willingness to distribute HST kits to sexual partners (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, education, and income, the Alters had a greater proportion of MSM who had never tested for HIV before (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.68), were more willing to distribute the HST application link (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.21–2.40), had a lower number of sexual partners (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.90), and were less likely to search for sexual partners via online means (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.02). In comparison, the rates of reactive HST results, conducting HIV confirmatory tests, HIV seropositivity, and initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) were similar for IPs and Alters. CONCLUSIONS The ISDHK mode of distributing HST application links via social media is feasible among the MSM population. The ISDHK mode should be used to supplement the DSDHK mode in order to enable a greater proportion of the MSM population to know their HIV infection status.

scholarly journals What is the level of uptake of Partner Notification Services in HIV testing  in Selected Health Facilities in Muranga County – Kenya; a retrospective Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rewel Kariuki ◽  
Gilbert Koome Rithaa ◽  
Oyugi Elvis ◽  
Daniel Gachathi
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Identification ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background: Identification of people living with HIV is key in HIV prevention and control. Partner Notification service is a World Health Organization backed strategy of reaching out to sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV for HIV testing. However, its adoption and success rate in Kenya remains unknown.Methods: A cross sectional facility based study was undertaken in five purposively selected health facilities in Muranga County, Kenya. A retrospective review of patient medical records data for HIV positive index clients and their Sexual Partners conducted. Census approach applied to extract data for study subjects from Partner Notification Service registers for the period covering January 2017 to August 2018. Epi Info software was used for data analysis.Results: A total of 183 index clients offered Partner notification services. The mean age of the indexed clients studied was 39(SD ±13.1). Females comprised 64 % of clients studied. Of the 183 indexed clients, 89% accepted the services and elicited 216 sexual partners for tracing. The ratio of elicited sexual partners to index client was 1.3:1. Out of the 216 sexual partners, 77% were reached and tested. A total of 46 [32%] of the sexual partners elicited and traced, tested HIV positive. The most preferred approaches were provider referral (51%) and contract referral (45%). Dual referral (4%) was the least preferred approach. Conclusions: Partner notification services is acceptable and an effective strategy of increasing HIV case identification and raising awareness to exposed sexual partners in low resource countries.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document