HIV testing for key populations in Europe: A decade of technological innovation and patient empowerment complement the role of health care professionals

Platteau, Tom; Lankveld, Jacques van; Apers, Ludwig; Fransen, Katrien; Rockstroh, Jürgen K.; Florence, Éric

doi:10.1111/hiv.12601

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…The WHO guidance highlights that in certain settings, such as schools and workplaces, serial COVID-19 self-testing may be recommended for the early detection of outbreaks [ 7 ]. Self-testing has been used worldwide to expand access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis, especially in the most vulnerable populations [ 11 – 13 ]. In 2016, WHO recommended HIV self-testing as a safe, accurate and effective way to reach those in need of diagnosis [ 14 ]; in 2021, similar recommendations were made for hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementing a pilot study of COVID-19 self-testing in high-risk populations and remote locations: results and lessons learnt

Marbán-Castro,

Getia,

Alkhazashvili

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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Background Rapid antigen-detection tests for SARS-CoV-2 self-testing represent a useful tool for pandemic control and expanding access to community-level case screening. COVID-19 self-tests have been extensively used in high-income countries since 2021; however, their introduction and programmatic implementation in low- and middle-income countries was delayed. We aimed to identify and continuously improve a weekly COVID-19 self-testing model among staff at healthcare facilities and schools. Methods This mixed-methods, observational prospective study was conducted in 5 healthcare centres and 24 schools in Georgia, between June and December 2022. The study comprised the integration of COVID-19 self-testing into the national mandatory testing programme for high-risk groups, with primary distribution of self-tests among staff performed weekly, plus secondary distribution to their household members. These use cases were selected because NCDC was seeking to strengthen their already strong weekly testing programme, by investigating self-testing to ease the burden of testing in the healthcare system. Online surveys and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Results In total, 2156 participants were enrolled (1963 female, 72%). At baseline and mid- and end-points, 88%, 97% and 99%, respectively, of participants agreed/strongly agreed they would self-test. Similarly, the majority were willing to report their self-testing results (88%, 98% and 96% at baseline and mid- and end-points, respectively). Weekly reporting of test results to the national COVID-19 database was high during all the implementation. There were 622 COVID-19 positive results reported, and linked to care, from 601 individuals (282 participants and 319 household members). Findings from qualitative interviews showed great satisfaction with self-testing for its convenience, ease of use, trust in the results, no need to travel for diagnostics, and increased perception of safety. Conclusions Our findings contribute to the evidence-base regarding self-testing strategies conducted via workplaces and secondary distribution to households. Willingness to perform a COVID-19 self-test increased after implementation. This pilot enhanced pandemic preparedness through expansion of the national self-testing reporting system, development of communications materials, changes in the national legal framework and coordination mechanisms, and improved perceptions around self-care in the community. The lessons learnt can inform operational aspects of the introduction and scale-up of self-care strategies.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementing a pilot study of COVID-19 self-testing in high-risk populations and remote locations: results and lessons learnt

Marbán-Castro,

Getia,

Alkhazashvili

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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“…However, HCP concerns could hamper the distribution of and increased access to HIVST. These concerns include the potential for users to not use the test or read the result correctly, psychosocial risks arising from a positive result, and the absence of counselling [ 25 , 26 ]. Overcoming such concerns is key to enabling greater availability of HIVST via health systems; however, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have been conducted among HCP in Latin America to understand their conduct and attitudes regarding HIVST.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Willingness of health care providers to offer HIV self-testing from specialized HIV care services in the northeast of Brazil

Jordão

Magno

Pereira

et al. 2022

BMC Health Serv Res

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Background The insufficient knowledge regarding the serological status of people affected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a concern in Brazil. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proved to have great potential for increasing testing, especially among vulnerable populations. The large-scale distribution of HIVST by the Brazilian public health system has increased in recent years. We aimed to investigate the awareness of HIVST among health care providers (HCP) from specialized HIV/AIDS care services in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. Further we investigated HCP acceptability and willingness to offer its use. Methods A cross-sectional study on HCP from 29 specialized care services (SCS) located in 21 cities in the state of Bahia. HCP working in the service for at least 6 months were included. Sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were carried out. Bivariate, and multivariate analyses estimating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using logistic regression were conducted. Results The awareness and acceptability of HIVST and the willingness to provide it were 79.8, 55.2, and 47.1%, respectively. Few HCP reported that the SCS where they worked dispensed HIVST (3.6%), and 13.5% received some information or training on HIVST. Factors associated with willingness to offer HIVST were: HIVST acceptability (aOR = 9.45; 95% CI: 4.53–19.71), willingness to use HIVST on themselves (aOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 1.62–12.24), confidence in offering HIVST to clients (aOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 2.26–12.72), and considering everyone eligible for HIVST (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.25–6.59). Conclusions Although most HCP were aware of HIVST, acceptability and willingness to provide it to the clients was moderate. The scale up of HIVST as a mean for the HIV prevention and control policy in Brazil, requires further training of HCP and better implementation of this program.

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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

Magno

Pereira²,

Castro³

et al. 2022

AIDS Behav

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HIV testing for key populations in Europe: A decade of technological innovation and patient empowerment complement the role of health care professionals

Abstract: A highly effective HIV testing strategy to reduce undiagnosed people living with HIV in Europe is needed. Any approach, chosen according to the principles outlined in this paper, should reach the right people, diagnose them in the most accurate way, and optimize linkage to care.

Cited by 5 publications

References 21 publications

Implementing a pilot study of COVID-19 self-testing in high-risk populations and remote locations: results and lessons learnt

Implementing a pilot study of COVID-19 self-testing in high-risk populations and remote locations: results and lessons learnt

Willingness of health care providers to offer HIV self-testing from specialized HIV care services in the northeast of Brazil

HIV Testing Strategies, Types of Tests, and Uptake by Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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