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Yang F, Zhao P, Tang W, Tucker JD, Xu W, Wang C. HIV self-testing adoption and post-test linkage to care among men who have sex with men in China: a nationwide cross-sectional survey. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:532. [PMID: 38802750 PMCID: PMC11129403 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) was recommended to improve HIV testing services. China initiated some of the first HIVST pilots in the world, providing a unique opportunity for implementation research. We aim to investigate HIVST adoption and its following linkage to care among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed on major social media platforms in 2018, one year after HIVST was officially endorsed and allowed for sale. MSM who were at least 16 years old, assigned as male at birth, and ever tested for HIV were eligible. Primary outcome, adoption was defined as ever use of HIVST. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to explore the association between HIVST adoption and sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Linkage to care was also described via the following sequential events as indicators: (1) receiving result after recent test (2), seeking care from healthcare facility if test result was positive or indeterminate, and (3) delayed time before seeking care. RESULTS A total of 540 participants were included with an average age of 27.4 ± 6.6. Most were never married (87.4%) and half completed college (52.2%). Overall, 75.2% had adopted HIVST. Self-test kits were commonly obtained from community-based organizations (54.4%) and from online (46.6%). HIVST adoption was positively associated with having college or higher education (OR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.07-2.57), and negatively associated with age older than 30 (AOR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.32-0.84). Adoption was not associated with other socio-demographic or behavioral factors. After receiving HIV-positive or indeterminate results, 25/25 of HIVST adopters sought care while 3 out of 7 (42.9%) non-adopters sought care (p < 0.001). Delays before seeking care were not significantly different between HIVST adopters compared to non-adopters (P = 0.366). CONCLUSION Many MSM adopted HIVST shortly after its launch. Our findings suggested that HIVST linkage to care is promising among MSM in China. Integration of HIVST with other essential sexual health services is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Peizhen Zhao
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Medical University Institute for Global Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Wenqian Xu
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Medical University Institute for Global Health, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Southern Medical University Institute for Global Health, Guangzhou, China.
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HIV Testing Strategies, Types of Tests, and Uptake by Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:678-707. [PMID: 35984608 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03803-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of strategies and types of tests on HIV testing uptake by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), and in reaching PLWH. Articles published up to July 2020 were identified from major electronic databases and grey literature. Data were extracted and assessed for risk of bias. Estimates were pooled using random-effect meta-analysis while heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020192740). Of 6820 titles, 263 studies (n = 67,288 participants) were included. The testing strategies reported in most studies were community- (71.2%) and facility-based (28.8%). Highest uptake, with facility-based testing, occurred and reached more PLWH while with standard laboratory tests, it occurred with the highest HIV prevalence among MSM. However, urine test showed a highest rate of new HIV infection. Multiple test combinations had the highest uptake and reached more PLWH among TGW. Various testing strategies, considering barriers and regional differences, and different test types, need be considered, to increase uptake among MSM and TGW.
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Xiu X, Qin Y, Bao Y, Chen Y, Wu H, Huang X, Wang L. The Practice and Potential Role of HIV Self-testing in China: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e41125. [PMID: 36459393 PMCID: PMC9758640 DOI: 10.2196/41125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization as a valid approach to routine HIV testing services. The scale of HIVST use has gradually been expanded in China over the past 5 years. To take a closer look at the role of HIVST in China, we reviewed the promotion and application of HIVST within China. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to systematically analyze the proportion of past use and actual uptake of HIVST within China. Moreover, we aimed to quantify the effect of HIVST on HIV prevention and treatment. METHODS In all, 5 medical databases and 2 registration systems, including PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, WanFang, China National Knowledge Internet, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of HIVST use from January 1, 2010, to December 25, 2021. Meta-analyses of the pooled proportion estimates were carried out by the meta-package in R software (version 4.1.2). Statistical heterogeneity among the studies was estimated using Cochran Q test and the inconsistency index (I2). RESULTS A total of 50 studies were included in our systematic review. The estimated pooled prevalence of HIVST use in China was 29.9% (95% CI 22.5%-37.9%). Among individuals who have ever used HIVST, 47.5% (95% CI 37.2%-57.8%) were tested for HIV for the first time. The pooled reactive rate of HIVST was 4.2% (95% CI 3.1%-5.8%). When HIVST revealed a reactive result, 81.3% (95% CI 70.9%-91.6%) of individuals sought medical care. CONCLUSIONS In recent times, HIVST has become a valuable tool for HIV prevention in China. The widespread use of HIVST in non-men who have sex with men populations needs to be endorsed and promoted. The long-term applications of HIVST and the potential consequences of self-financing of HIVST in China have yet to be explored. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022304846; https://tinyurl.com/54d9pxy8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfei Xiu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qin
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Yugang Bao
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Beijing, China
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Mujugira A, Nakyanzi A, Nabaggala MS, Muwonge TR, Ssebuliba T, Bagaya M, Nampewo O, Sapiri O, Nyanzi KR, Bambia F, Nsubuga R, Serwadda DM, Ware NC, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. Effect of HIV Self-Testing on PrEP Adherence Among Gender-Diverse Sex Workers in Uganda: A Randomized Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:381-389. [PMID: 34954718 PMCID: PMC8860206 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are complementary tools that could empower sex workers to control their HIV protection, but few studies have jointly evaluated PrEP and HIVST in any setting. METHODS The Empower Study was an open-label randomized trial in Uganda. Sex workers were offered F/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and randomized 1:1 to monthly HIVST and quarterly in-clinic testing (intervention) or quarterly in-clinic HIV testing alone (standard of care) and followed up for 12 months. PrEP adherence was measured using electronic adherence monitoring and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels in dried blood spots. Adherence outcomes and sexual behaviors were compared by arm using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS We enrolled 110 sex workers: 84 cisgender women, 14 transgender women, 10 men who have sex with men, and 2 transgender men. The median age was 23 years. The 12-month retention was 75%. Nearly all (99.4%) used ≥1 HIVST kit. The proportion with TFV-DP levels ≥700 fmol/punch in the HIVST and standard of care arms at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month visits was 2.4%, 2.3%, 0%, and 0% and 7.9%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively, with no differences by randomization arm (P > 0.2). Self-reported condomless sex acts with paying partners was similar by arm [adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42 to 1.17; P = 0.18]. One seroconversion occurred (HIV incidence, 0.9/100 person-years); TFV-DP was not detected at any visit. CONCLUSIONS A gender-diverse sample of sex workers in Uganda used HIVST but not daily oral PrEP for HIV protection. Alternate approaches to promote PrEP use, including long-acting formulations, should be considered in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Agnes Nakyanzi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria S. Nabaggala
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy R. Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy Ssebuliba
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Bagaya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Olivia Nampewo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Oliver Sapiri
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kikulwe R. Nyanzi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bambia
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rogers Nsubuga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David M. Serwadda
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Norma C Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Feasibility and acceptability of a peer-led HIV self-testing model among female sex workers in Malawi: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8718425 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesHIV testing is the gateway to HIV prevention and care services. Female sex workers (FSW) may benefit from HIV self-testing (HIVST), which offers greater control and confidentiality than other approaches. However, FSW also have unique vulnerabilities, making it critical to understand their perspective of HIVST to best contextualise HIVST to their needs. This study explored feasibility and acceptability of providing oral fluid-based peer-led HIVST to FSW to inform tailored HIVST delivery approaches.DesignQualitative study.SettingMalawi.ParticipantsThirty-nine FSW who had obtained a HIVST kit and eight peer distributors.ResultsPeer distributors’ accounts suggested that peer-led HIVST is feasible. Overall, FSW spoke positively about peer-led HIVST and younger FSW preferred it to facility-based HIV testing. FSW highlighted both greater control of their testing experience and that HIVST could allow them to avoid discriminatory attitudes frequently experienced in public facilities. Some also felt that HIVST kits could enable them to establish the HIV status of their sexual partners, better informing their decisions about condomless sex. Despite overall acceptance of HIVST, a few expressed doubts in the procedure. Some FSW already aware of their HIV-positive status reported using HIVST. A few accounts suggested peer pressure to self-test predominantly from peer distributors.ConclusionsThis study enabled us to explore feasibility and acceptability of peer-led HIVST among FSW, as well as potential shortcomings of the HIV testing modality. Peer distributors are a welcome additional model. However, they should avoid distribution in actual venues. Programmes should ensure a range of testing options are available and expand peer’s representation. Study findings will be used to tailor the HIVST distribution model to ensure its enhanced uptake among key populations in general and FSW, specifically.
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Rivera AS, Hernandez R, Mag-Usara R, Sy KN, Ulitin AR, O'Dwyer LC, McHugh MC, Jordan N, Hirschhorn LR. Implementation outcomes of HIV self-testing in low- and middle- income countries: A scoping review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250434. [PMID: 33939722 PMCID: PMC8092786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV self-testing (HIV-ST) is an effective means of improving HIV testing rates. Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are taking steps to include HIV-ST into their national HIV/AIDS programs but very few reviews have focused on implementation in LMIC. We performed a scoping review to describe and synthesize existing literature on implementation outcomes of HIV-ST in LMIC. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of Medline, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, and Scopus, supplemented by searches in HIVST.org and other grey literature databases (done 23 September 2020) and included articles if they reported at least one of the following eight implementation outcomes: acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, feasibility, fidelity, cost, penetration, or sustainability. Both quantitative and qualitative results were extracted and synthesized in a narrative manner. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Most (75%) of the 206 included articles focused on implementation in Africa. HIV-ST was found to be acceptable and appropriate, perceived to be convenient and better at maintaining confidentiality than standard testing. The lack of counselling and linkage to care, however, was concerning to stakeholders. Peer and online distribution were found to be effective in improving adoption. The high occurrence of user errors was a common feasibility issue reported by studies, although, diagnostic accuracy remained high. HIV-ST was associated with higher program costs but can still be cost-effective if kit prices remain low and HIV detection improves. Implementation fidelity was not always reported and there were very few studies on, penetration, and sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Evidence supports the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of HIV-ST in the LMIC context. Costs and user error rates are threats to successful implementation. Future research should address equity through measuring penetration and potential barriers to sustainability including distribution, cost, scale-up, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adovich S Rivera
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ralph Hernandez
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Regiel Mag-Usara
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Karen Nicole Sy
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allan R Ulitin
- Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies, National Institutes for Health, Manila, Philippines
| | - Linda C O'Dwyer
- Galter Health Sciences Library & Learning Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Megan C McHugh
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Neil Jordan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lisa R Hirschhorn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Institute of Global Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Xiao W, Yan L, Chen L, Fu G, Yang H, Yang C, Yan H, Wei C. Sexual network distribution of HIV self-testing kits: Findings from the process evaluation of an intervention for men who have sex with men in China. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232094. [PMID: 32320457 PMCID: PMC7176132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization has recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an alternative testing strategy given the limitations of facility-based testing. While the benefits of HIV self-testing have been demonstrated at the individual level among men who have sex with men (MSM), limited data exist on if this testing approach can be effectively diffused through individuals' social or sexual networks. The objectives of this study were to examine patterns and correlates of HIVST distribution within Chinese MSM's sexual networks. METHODS Data used for this analysis was a part of the process evaluation of an HIVST intervention trial among MSM in Nanjing, China. Between May and October 2017, we enrolled 400 men into the trial. Participants assigned to the intervention group (N = 200) were given three HIVST kits at baseline and could request more during the follow-up periods. We incorporated measures for process evaluation in the self-administered online follow-up surveys. This analysis reported findings from the three-month follow-up survey in the intervention group. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe characteristics of participants who distributed kits to their sexual partners as well as patterns of distribution. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify independent correlates of participants who distributed the kits. RESULTS Of the 177 participants retained (88.5%) at the three-month follow-up, 72 (40.7%) distributed one or more kits to either primary or casual partners. About half of distributors (51.4%) gave one HIVST kit to their sexual partners while 15.3% distributed 3 or more. Over half gave these kits (58.3%) to primary sexual partners while 27.8% reported giving the kits to both primary and casual partners. About half (54.2%) of distributors used the kits together with their partners. Compared to participants who had an HIV test in the past six months, those who tested over six months ago or never tested had significantly lower odds of distributing the kits (AOR = 0.484, 95% CI: 0.250-0.983, p = 0.032). Compared to those who had not used the kits themselves, participants who did had significantly higher odds of distributing the kits (AOR = 3.345, 95% CI: 1.488-7.517, p = 0.003). Participants who reported higher HIV testing efficacy had 2.051 fold greater odds (95% CI: 1.062-3.961, p = 0.033) of distributing the kits compared to those who had lower efficacy. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that a sexual network-based approach to distributing HIVST among Chinese MSM is feasible and can be a promising strategy to improve the effectiveness of HIVST programs including its reach to untested men. Such approach should be complimented by intervention components that enhance HIV testing efficacy and improve experiences of HIVST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xiao
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Yan
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gengfeng Fu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hongjing Yan
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail: (HY); (CW)
| | - Chongyi Wei
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail: (HY); (CW)
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