scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of Oral-Based HCV Self-Testing Among Key Populations: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation in Tbilisi, Georgia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Fajardo ◽  
Victoria Watson ◽  
Moses Kumwenda ◽  
Dali Usharidze ◽  
Sophiko Gogochashvili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Error ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus self-testing (HCVST) is an additional approach that may expand access to HCV testing. We conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional observational study to assess the usability and acceptability of HCVST among people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) people in Tbilisi, Georgia. Methods: The study was conducted from December 2019 to June 2020 among PWID at one harm reduction site and among MSM/TG at one community-based organization. We used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Usability was assessed by observing errors made and difficulties faced by participants. Acceptability was assessed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. A subset of participants participated in cognitive and in-depth interviews.Results: A total of 90 PWID, 84 MSM and 6 TG were observed performing HCVST. PWID were older (median age 35 vs 24) and had a lower level of education compared to MSM/TG (27% vs 59%). The proportion of participants who completed all steps successfully without assistance was 60% among PWID and 80% among MSM/TG. The most common error was in sample collection and this was observed more often among PWID than MSM/TG (21.1% vs 5.5%; p=0.002). More PWID requested assistance during HCVST compared to MSM/TG (22.2% vs 7.8%; p=0.011). Acceptability was high in both groups (98% vs 96%; p=0.407). Inter-reader agreement was 96.7% among PWID and 98.9% among MSM/TG. Qualitative data from cognitive (n=20) and in-depth interviews (n=20) was consistent with the quantitative data confirming a high usability and acceptability. Conclusions: HCVST was highly acceptable among key populations in Georgia of relatively high educational level, and most participants performed HCVST correctly. A significant difference in usability was observed among PWID compared to MSM/TG, indicating that PWID may benefit from improved messaging and education as well as options to receive direct assistance when self-testing for HCV.

scholarly journals Syphilis self-testing to expand test uptake among men who have sex with men: a theoretically informed mixed methods study in Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054911
Author(s):  
Clarisse Sri-Pathmanathan ◽  
Definate Nhamo ◽  
Takudzwa Mamvuto ◽  
Gwendoline Chapwanya ◽  
Fern Terris-Prestholt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Depth Interviews

ObjectivesSelf-testing for STIs such as HIV and syphilis may empower sexual minorities and expand uptake of STI testing. While much is known about HIV self-testing (HIVST), less is known about syphilis self-testing, particularly in low-income settings. The objective of this study is to determine context-specific facilitators and barriers for self-testing and to assess the usability of syphilis self-testing in Zimbabwe among men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsThis mixed methods study was conducted in Harare as part of a larger syphilis self-testing trial. The study included in-depth interviews (phase I) followed by usability testing and a second interview (phase II). In-depth interviews were conducted with MSM and key informants prior to syphilis self-testing. The same MSM then used the syphilis self-test, quantitatively assessed its usability and participated in a second in-depth interview. Phase I data were analysed using a thematic approach, guided by an adapted social ecological model conceptual framework. Phase II interviews were analysed using rapid assessment procedure methodology, and usability was assessed using a pre-established index, adapted from existing HIVST scales.ResultsTwenty MSM and 10 key informants were recruited for phase I in-depth interviews, and 16 of these MSM participated in phase II by completing a syphilis self-test kit. Facilitating factors for self-testing included the potential for increased privacy, convenience, autonomy, and avoidance of social and healthcare provider stigma. Barriers included the fear to test and uncertainty about linkage to care and treatment. Data from the Usability Index suggested high usability (89.6% on a 0–100 scale) among the men who received the self-test.ConclusionsMSM in Zimbabwe were willing to use syphilis self-test kits and many of the barriers and facilitators were similar to those observed for HIVST. Syphilis self-testing may increase syphilis test uptake among sexual minorities in Zimbabwe and other low-income and middle-income countries.

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 Protocol to assess the values and preferences towards SARS-CoV-2 self-testing among the general population and their representatives, healthcare personnel and decision-makers in health: a multi-country mixed methods study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonjelle Shilton ◽  
Elena Ivanova Reipold ◽  
Albert Roca ◽  
Guillermo Z. Martínez-Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
General Population ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Views And Perceptions

UNSTRUCTURED Background: Accessible, safe and client-centred SARS-CoV-2 testing services are an effective way to halt its transmission. Testing enables individuals to isolate or quarantine to prevent further transmission. In countries with limited health systems and laboratory capacity, the provision of accessible and safe screening for COVID-19 is challenging. Self-testing provides a convenient, private and safe testing option. However, it also raises some important concerns relating to a lack of counselling and a clear pathway to ensure timely reporting of self-test results to national surveillance systems. Investigating community members’ views and perceptions is crucial to inform the most effective and safe strategies for implementing SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. Methods: This study will be conducted in nine countries: Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines and South Africa. It is a multi-site, mixed methods, observational study that consists of two components: cross-sectional surveys and a qualitative inquiry among four respondent groupings: the general population, general population representatives, healthcare workers and decision-makers. Our main research question is how useful, and under which circumstances, would SARS-CoV-2 self-testing be for populations in low-resource settings, to diagnose and prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2? The general population and the healthcare worker surveys will be analysed separately, using bivariate and multivariate inferential analysis and descriptive statistics. The qualitative inquiries, which will comprise semi-structured interviews and group interviews, will be audio recorded, transcribed and coded. Thematic analysis will be conducted. Discussion: The views and perceptions of local populations are crucial for leading the discussion around the safest strategies for implementing SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. This study intends to generate evidence about the different sociocultural specificities that may hinder or accelerate the widespread utilisation of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. Dissemination of results will be via publications, presentations at conferences, and dissemination events specifically targeted at local decision makers, civil society and patient groups.

scholarly journals Triglycerides, independent of Ferriman Gallwey Score, is a main determinant of free testosterone index in PCOS

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Andon Hestiantoro ◽  
Putri Deva Karimah ◽  
Amalia Shadrina ◽  
Budi Wiweko ◽  
R. Muharam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Testosterone ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pcos Patient ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Shbg Level ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunctions

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age, affecting 5-20% of women worldwide. Hyperandrogenism, as the primary characteristic of PCOS, is not always present in every patient. The hyperandrogenic phenotype of PCOS patients is influenced by both hormonal and metabolic dysfunctions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the correlation between hormone profile, lipid profile, and clinical profile with free testosterone index in subjects with PCOS. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital between July 2014 and December 2016. The study involved 76 women with PCOS, who were classified into 2 subgroups: 39 subjects in the hyperandrogenism group and 37 subjects in the non-hyperandrogenism group. Each subject underwent physical examination, blood sample collection, and USG examination. Bivariate analysis was done using independent t-tests and Mann Whitney U-tests, while multivariate analysis was done using logistic regression. Results: Triglyceride and testosterone level showed weak (r = 0.232, p = 0.044) and moderate (r = 0.460, p ¡ 0.001) positive correlation with FTI, while SHBG level showed moderate negative correlation (r = -0.483, p ¡ 0.001). Triglyceride was also found to be determinant of hyperandrogenism condition in PCOS patient (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00–0.04, p = 0.013). However, there was no significant difference observed between FGS and hyperandrogenism (p = 0.43). Conclusions: Triglycerides, testosterone, and SHBG were associated with hyperandrogenism in PCOS patients, while FGS showed no such association.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Factors Associated With HIV Self-testing Uptake Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Ningbo, China: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang Hong ◽  
Hong-bo Shi ◽  
Hai-bo Jiang ◽  
Hong-jun Dong ◽  
Yun-liang Shen
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract BackgroundHIV testing and early linkage to care are critical for reducing the risk of HIV transmission. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an useful tool for increasing HIV testing frequency.This study aimed to investigate HIVST rates among men who have sex with men (MSM), the characteristics of MSM who had HIVST, and factors associated with HIVST uptake among MSM in Ningbo, China. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2019 in Ningbo,China. Participants were aged at least 18 years and having had sexual contact with men in the past year. Proportions were used for categorical variables. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for characteristics associated with HIVST uptake was processed by multiple logistic regression models.ResultsAmong a sample of 699 MSM recruited, 38.2% had reported previous use of an HIV self-test kit. A greater proportion of HIVST Users had a higher frequency of HIV testing(≥2 times: 70.0% versus 41.2%, p<0.001) in the past one year. Factor associated with HIVST uptake was gay apps use(AOR=1.86,CI=1.13-3.05), multiple male sex partners (AOR=1.90,CI=1.29-2.80), frequency of male-male sexual contact ≥1 times per week(AOR=1.86, CI=1.30-2.66), syphilis infection(AOR=5.48, CI=2.53-11.88).ConclusionsFurther HIVST education should be strengthened for school-aged children and teenagers, and free HIVST kits may be provided to low-income high-risk MSM through gay apps and NGOs to achieve the increased HIV testing frequency.

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.

scholarly journals Facilitators and Barriers Associated with Uptake of HIV Self-Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Chongqing, China: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1634
Author(s):  
Ying Liu ◽  
Guohui Wu ◽  
Rongrong Lu ◽  
Rong Ou ◽  
Ling Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Kappa Value ◽  
Additional Approach ◽  
Sex With Men

While studies on human immunodeficiency virus self-testing (HIVST) continue to accumulate after the World Health Organization’s recommendation of HIVST as an additional approach to HIV testing services in 2016, few studies have focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chinese cities. A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the HIVST status of MSM in Chongqing, China. MSM participants were recruited by random sampling, and qualified interviewers collected data, using confidential self-administered questionnaires. Blood specimens were collected for HIV antibody detection. The survey evaluated the uptake and accuracy of HIVST kits and identified factors that may be associated with HIVST. The proportion of HIVST uptake was 15.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of HIVST were 74.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.6%–80.7%) and 99.0% (95% CI 96.9%–99.7%), respectively. The consistency between the HIVST kit and antibody detection results was 90.5% (95% CI 87.5%–93.0%), and the Kappa value was 0.777 (p < 0.001). The positive predictive value of self-testing kits is 80.9% and the negative predictive value is 17.7%. Having been tested ≥2 times in the last year, higher educational levels, and higher scores of basic HIV/AIDS knowledge facilitated higher uptake of HIVST. Self-reported existing barriers for HIVST uptake included older age, marital status, and having resided in Chongqing for more than two years.

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