scholarly journals Uptake of oral fluid-based HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256094
Author(s):  
Philippe Girault ◽  
Christina Misa Wong ◽  
Siroat Jittjang ◽  
Kangwan Fongkaew ◽  
Michael M. Cassell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Oral Fluid ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
World Health ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Testing Services ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Suboptimal uptake of HIV testing remains a primary bottleneck to HIV prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand. The World Health Organization has recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an additional strategic HIV service. However, HIVST has not been fully endorsed and implemented in many countries in Southeast Asia. The aim of this study was to assess the uptake of oral fluid-based HIVST in MSM and TGW populations in Thailand. Methods During 2017 and 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling to enroll 2,524 participants from three major urban areas. Participants were recruited during outreach and online activities and were offered unassisted or assisted HIVST, or referral to HIV testing services. A descriptive analysis was performed for summarizing data. Results A total of 2,502 participants (1,422 MSM and 1,082 TGW) were included in the analysis with about one-third (36.1%) of them being first-time testers. Among all participants enrolled in the study, a total of 2,486 participants (99.3%) selected HIVST versus referral to HIV testing services. Of those who selected HIVST, 2,095 (84.3%) opted for assisted HIVST while the rest opted for unassisted HIVST: 1,148 of 1,411 MSM (81.4%) and 947 of 1,075 TGW (88.1%) selected assisted HIVST. While no serious adverse events were reported during the study, we found that among 179 participants who needed a confirmatory test and were referred to HIV testing services, 108 (60.3.4%) accessed these later services. Conclusions This study demonstrated a high uptake of oral fluid-based HIVST among MSM and TGW populations in Thailand and that HIVST could be scaled up through the national epidemic control program. However, a better understanding of HIV testing-seeking behavior and innovative follow-up solutions are needed to improve and monitor linkages to services for people who undertake HIVST.

scholarly journals South African HIV self-testing policy and guidance considerations

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois Venter ◽  
Mohammed Majam ◽  
Lauren Jankelowitz ◽  
Siraaj Adams ◽  
Michelle Moorhouse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
South African ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Hiv Testing Services ◽  
Health Organization

The gap in HIV testing remains significant and new modalities such as HIV self-testing (HIVST) have been recommended to reach key and under-tested populations. In December 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the Guidelines on HIV Self-Testing and Partner Notification: A Supplement to the Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Testing Services (HTS) and urged member countries to develop HIVST policy and regulatory frameworks. In South Africa, HIVST was included as a supplementary strategy in the National HIV Testing Services Policy in 2016, and recently, guidelines for HIVST were included in the South African National Strategic Plan for HIV, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis 2017–2022. This document serves as an additional guidance for the National HIV Testing Services Policy 2016, with specific focus on HIVST. It is intended for policy advocates, clinical and non-clinical HTS providers, health facility managers and healthcare providers in private and public health facilities, non-governmental, community-based and faith-based organisations involved in HTS and outreach, device manufacturers, workplace programmes and institutes of higher education.

scholarly journals Adherence of HIV Self-Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: Longitudinal Study

10.2196/19627 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. e19627
Author(s):  
Xiangyu Yan ◽  
Hexuan Su ◽  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Yongjie Li ◽  
Lingling Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
World Health ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact

Background The World Health Organization recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) for individuals practicing unsafe sexual behaviors; however, the adherence to HIV testing has not been reported. Objective In this study, we attempted to determine the adherence to HIVST among men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as the impact factors and potential effects of their adherence. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study among MSM in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. A mobile app system was used to provide the “Mailing rapid test reagent kit” for the HIVST service. The proportion of those who adhered to HIV testing every 3 months was calculated. Logistic regression was used to explore the impact factors related to adherence to HIVST. Rates of HIV infection between MSM who adhered to HIVST and those who did not were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. Changes of condom use behaviors between the two groups were also compared using the chi-square test. Results A total of 1315 MSM who received the HIVST service through the app were included in the study. Overall, 10% of the MSM adhered to HIVST, and the proportion of adhering tests was only 34.9%. Adherence of HIVST was associated with marital status (adjusted odds ratio [OR]unmarried vs married 2.31, 95% CI 1.13-4.71) and the number of HIV tests they received (adjusted OR3 times vs 2 times or below 3.36, 95% CI 2.01-5.63; adjusted OR4 times or above vs 2 times or below 7.30, 95% CI 4.67-11.42). Twenty HIV seroconversions were observed during 1-year follow up. The rate of HIV infection in the adherence group (17.10 per 100 person years, 95% CI 8.80-30.84) was significantly higher than that in the nonadherence group (4.80 per 100 person years, 95% CI 2.77-7.88; adjusted hazard ratio 3.33, 95% CI 1.35-8.20). Those who adhered to HIV testing were more likely to improve condom use behaviors, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Regular HIV testing is necessary for early detection of HIV infection among MSM. Given the poor adherence, a new internet-based management paradigm for MSM is needed to raise their health awareness to optimize the implementation of HIVST.

scholarly journals Outcomes of A Community-Led Web-Based HIV Self-Testing Demonstration Among Cisgender Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in the Philippines During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick C. Eustaquio ◽  
Roberto Figuracion ◽  
Kiyohiko Izumi ◽  
Mary Joy Morin ◽  
Kenneth Samaco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Reporting Rate ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Introduction: The Philippines, experiencing the fastest rising HIV epidemic globally, has limited options of HIV testing that its uptake remains low among cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM) and transgender women (TGW), especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As HIV self-testing (HIVST) and web-based approaches could synergize efforts to expand its uptake, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a community-led web-based HIVST demonstration and to explore factors associated with HIVST-related behaviours and outcomes. Methods We did a secondary data analysis of routinely collected data in a community-led web-based HIVST demonstration among cis-MSM and TGW in Western Visayas, Philippines. We reviewed data on demographics, sexuality-, and context-related variables and explored associations with opting directly-assisted HIVST (DAH) and willingness to distribute, using multivariable logistic regression. Results HIVST kits were distributed to 706 individuals (648 cis-MSM, 58 TGW), 52.1% were first-time testers, 12.5% opted DAH, and 48.2% were willing to distribute. Reporting rate was high (97.5%) with 8.4% reactivity rate. While linkage to prevention (100%) and care (87.9%) were high, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (0.3%) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) (60.4%) initiation were limited. There were no reports of adverse events. Those who opted for DAH, not willing to distribute, employed, and those who recently had anal intercourse had significantly higher proportions of testing reactive. Those who opted web-based approaches (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=0.28 [confidence interval, CI 0.14-0.57]) were less likely to opt DAH. Those living in urban areas (aOR=1.60 [CI 1.13-2.26]) and with no history of HIV test (aOR=0.45 [CI 0.32-0.61]) were associated with lower likelihood of secondary distribution than their counterparts. Maximal quarantine restrictions were associated with higher likelihood of DAH (aOR = 4.07 [CI 2.42-6.90]) and willingness to distribute (aOR=3.51 [CI 2.45-5.07]) relative to minimal restrictions. Conclusions HIVST could reach those who were never tested for HIV. While there is demand in accessing unassisted and web-based approaches, DAH should still be offered. Uptake of PrEP and same-day ART should be upscaled by decentralizing these services to community-based organizations. Differentiated service delivery is key to respond to preferences and values of key populations amid the dynamic geographical and sociocultural contexts they are in.

Understanding the Barriers of HIV Testing Services for Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2199567
Author(s):  
Mohammad Niaz Morshed Khan ◽  
Golam Sarwar ◽  
Samira Dishti Irfan ◽  
Gorkey Gourab ◽  
A. K. M. Masud Rana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
National Goal ◽  
Hiv Testing Services ◽  
Interpersonal Barriers ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Depth Interviews

Coverage of HIV testing services (HTS) is generally low among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women ( hijra) in Bangladesh, thus impeding the national goal of attaining the 90-90-90 target. In this context, this article delineates HTS uptake barriers among these populations. This qualitative study entailed 30 in-depth interviews, six focus groups and seven key-informant interviews with purposively selected MSM and hijra, alongside service providers. Participants cited individual and interpersonal barriers such as low risk perception and misconceptions about HIV testing, programmatic barriers such as knowledge gaps among peer service providers, as well as community and structural barriers such as the criminalization and stigmatization of male-to-male sex. Considering these contexts, it is essential for stakeholders to improve the HTS modality using multipronged approaches to address the multifaceted barriers of HTS uptake.

‘No test, no disease’: Multilevel barriers to HIV testing among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in three semi-urban areas in Thailand

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Kangwan Fongkaew ◽  
Jan W. de Lind van Wijngaarden ◽  
Suchon Tepjan ◽  
Nuttapon Chonwanarat ◽  
Pakorn Akkakanjanasupar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals HIV self-testing in Peru: questionable availability, high acceptability but potential low linkage to care among men who have sex with men and transgender women

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Jose Bustamante ◽  
Kelika A Konda ◽  
Dvora Joseph Davey ◽  
Segundo R León ◽  
Gino M Calvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Individual Use ◽  
Test Result

HIV status awareness is key to prevention, linkage-to-care and treatment. Our study evaluated the accessibility and potential willingness of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Peru. We surveyed four pharmacy chains in Peru to ascertain the commercial availability of the oral HIV self-test. The pharmacies surveyed confirmed that HIV self-test kits were available; however, those available were not intended for individual use, but for clinician use. We interviewed 147 MSM and 45 transgender women; nearly all (82%) reported willingness to perform the oral HIV self-test. However, only 55% of participants would definitely seek a confirmatory test in a clinic after an HIV-positive test result. Further, price may be a barrier, as HIV self-test kits were available for 18 USD, and MSM and transgender women were only willing to pay an average of 5 USD. HIV self-testing may facilitate increased access to HIV testing among some MSM/transgender women in Peru. However, price may prevent use, and poor uptake of confirmatory testing may limit linkage to HIV treatment and care.

scholarly journals Adherence of HIV Self-Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: Longitudinal Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangyu Yan ◽  
Hexuan Su ◽  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Yongjie Li ◽  
Lingling Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
World Health ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) for individuals practicing unsafe sexual behaviors; however, the adherence to HIV testing has not been reported. OBJECTIVE In this study, we attempted to determine the adherence to HIVST among men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as the impact factors and potential effects of their adherence. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study among MSM in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. A mobile app system was used to provide the “Mailing rapid test reagent kit” for the HIVST service. The proportion of those who adhered to HIV testing every 3 months was calculated. Logistic regression was used to explore the impact factors related to adherence to HIVST. Rates of HIV infection between MSM who adhered to HIVST and those who did not were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. Changes of condom use behaviors between the two groups were also compared using the chi-square test. RESULTS A total of 1315 MSM who received the HIVST service through the app were included in the study. Overall, 10% of the MSM adhered to HIVST, and the proportion of adhering tests was only 34.9%. Adherence of HIVST was associated with marital status (adjusted odds ratio [OR]<sub>unmarried vs married</sub> 2.31, 95% CI 1.13-4.71) and the number of HIV tests they received (adjusted OR<sub>3 times vs 2 times or below</sub> 3.36, 95% CI 2.01-5.63; adjusted OR<sub>4 times or above vs 2 times or below</sub> 7.30, 95% CI 4.67-11.42). Twenty HIV seroconversions were observed during 1-year follow up. The rate of HIV infection in the adherence group (17.10 per 100 person years, 95% CI 8.80-30.84) was significantly higher than that in the nonadherence group (4.80 per 100 person years, 95% CI 2.77-7.88; adjusted hazard ratio 3.33, 95% CI 1.35-8.20). Those who adhered to HIV testing were more likely to improve condom use behaviors, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Regular HIV testing is necessary for early detection of HIV infection among MSM. Given the poor adherence, a new internet-based management paradigm for MSM is needed to raise their health awareness to optimize the implementation of HIVST.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of self-testing kits availability on improving HIV testing frequency for chinese men who have sex with men and their sexual partners: a protocol for a multicenter randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e024423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ci Zhang ◽  
Xianhong Li ◽  
Deborah Koniak-Griffin ◽  
Lloyd A. Goldsamt ◽  
Jing Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hiv Testing Services ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionHIV epidemic is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, yet HIV testing uptake remains low. As an emerging approach, HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to promote HIV testing coverage and frequency in this population. However, evidence of the effectiveness on implementation of HIVST among Chinese MSM and their sexual partners is scarce.Methods and analysisThe randomised controlled trial will be performed in Changsha, Changde, Shaoyang and Yiyang, Hunan province, China, recruiting 184 recent testers (men who had at least one HIV test within the past 2 years) and 26 non-recent testers (men who did not have HIV tests within 2 years or never had an HIV test). Eligible men will be randomly divided 1:1 into two groups: intervention (with free HIVST kits plus site-based HIV testing services) and control (site-based HIV testing services only). Participants in the intervention group will be provided with two free finger-prick-based HIVST kits, and can apply for two to four kits every 3 months for 1 year.Participants in both groups will complete questionnaires via WeChat at five separate times: baseline, third, sixth, ninth and twelfth month. The primary outcome is the mean number of HIV tests for MSM over the 12-month study period. The secondary outcome is the mean number of HIV tests for sexual partners of MSM over the 12-month study period. The tertiary outcomes are the self-reported proportion of consistent condom usage for anal sex, and the numbers of sexual partners during the 12-month study period.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Behavioural and Nursing Research in Xiangya School of Nursing of Central South University, China (2018002). Study results will be disseminated through conferences and academic journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR1800015584; Pre-results.

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