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High Acceptability and Increased HIV-Testing Frequency After Introduction of HIV Self-Testing and Network Distribution Among South African MSM
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https://doi.org/10.1097/qai.0000000000001601Abstract
Background
South African men who have sex with men (MSM) have a high burden of undiagnosed HIV infection and HIV-testing rates incommensurate with their risk. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may increase testing uptake, frequency, and earlier HIV detection and treatment.Setting
Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni districts, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.Methods
We conducted a longitudinal HIVST study among MSM between June 2015 and May 2017. Overall 127 HIV-negative MSM were provided with up to 9 test kits of their choice-oral fluid or blood fingerstick-to use themselves and distribute to their networks. Surveys conducted 3- and 6-month post-enrollment elicited information on HIVST experiences, preferences, acceptability, utilization, and distribution. We used generalized estimating equations to assess changes in testing frequency.Results
Ninety-one percent of participants self-tested. All participants who self-tested reported being likely to self-test again, with over 80% preferring HIVST to clinic-based testing. Fingerstick was preferred to oral fluid tests by approximately 2:1. Returning participants distributed 728 tests to sexual partners (18.5% of kits), friends (51.6%), and family (29.8%). Six participants seroconverted during the study, and 40 new diagnoses were reported among test recipients. Frequent (semi-annual) testing increased from 37.8% before the study to 84.5% at follow-up (P < 0.001), and participants reported anticipated frequent testing of 100% if HIVST were available compared with 84% if only clinic-testing were available in the coming year (P < 0.01).Conclusions
HIVST use and network distribution is acceptable and feasible for MSM in South Africa and can increase testing uptake and frequency, potentially improving early detection among MSM and their networks.Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.
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