Uptake of HIV self-testing and linkage to treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nigeria: A pilot programme using key opinion leaders to reach MSM.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers an alternative to facility-based HIV testing services, particularly for populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) who may fear accessing testing due to stigma, discrimination and criminalization. Innovative HIV testing approaches are needed to meet the goal of 90% of people living with HIV being diagnosed. This study piloted an intervention to distribute oral HIVST kits to MSM through key opinion leaders (KOLs) in Lagos, Nigeria and assessed the feasibility, acceptability, uptake of HIVST and linkage to HIV treatment. A cohort study was conducted (May through September 2017) with 319 participants who were recruited by 12 KOLs through their networks. A baseline survey was conducted at the time of the oral HIVST kit (OraQuick® HIV antibody test) distribution to eligible MSM followed by a 3-month follow-up survey to assess usage of and experience with the HIVST kits. Each participant was given two kits. The median age of the participants was 25 years, 88.7% were literate and 17.9% were first-time testers. Of the 257 participants (80.7% retention) who completed the three-month follow-up interview, 97.7% reported using the HIVST kit and 14 (5.6%) self-reported an HIV positive result. A quarter (22.7%) tested themselves the same day they received the kit, and 49.4% tested within one week. Almost all participants reported that the HIVST kit instructions were easy or somewhat easy to understand (99.6%) and perform the test (98.0%). The most common reasons they liked the test were ease of use (87.3%), confidentiality/privacy (82.1%), convenience (74.1%) and absence of needle pricks (64.9%). All 14 participants who tested positive had sought confirmatory testing and initiated HIV treatment by the time of the three-month survey. HIVST distribution through KOLs was feasible and oral self-testing was highly acceptable among this urban MSM population. Despite concerns about linkage to treatment when implementing self-testing, this study showed that linkage to treatment can be achieved with active follow-up and access to a trusted MSM-friendly community clinic that offers HIV treatment. HIVST should be considered as an additional option to standard HIV testing models for MSM.

Tun W ，Vu L ，Dirisu O ，Sekoni A ，Shoyemi E ，Njab J ，Ogunsola S ，Adebajo S ... -  《Journal of the International AIDS Society》

Operationalizing the distribution of oral HIV self-testing kits to men who have sex with men (MSM) in a highly homophobic environment: the Nigerian experience.

Sekoni A ，Tun W ，Dirisu O ，Ladi-Akinyemi T ，Shoyemi E ，Adebajo S ，Ogunsola F ，Vu L ... -  《BMC PUBLIC HEALTH》

Acceptability, perceived reliability and challenges associated with distributing HIV self-test kits to young MSM in Uganda: a qualitative study.

HIV self-testing is a flexible, accessible and acceptable emerging technology with a particular potential to identify people living with HIV who are reluctant to interact with conventional HIV testing approaches. We assessed the acceptability, perceived reliability and challenges associated with distributing HIV self-test (HIVST) to young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Uganda. Between February and May, 2018, we enrolled 74 MSM aged ≥18 years purposively sampled and verbally consented to participate in six focus group discussions (FGDs) in The AIDS Support Organization (TASO Masaka and Entebbe). We also conducted two FGDs of 18 health workers. MSM FGD groups included individuals who had; (1) tested greater than one year previously; (2) tested between six months and one year previously; (3) tested three to six months previously; (4) never tested. FGDs examined: (i) the acceptability of HIVST distribution; (iii) preferences for various HIVST distribution channels; (iv) perceptions about the accuracy of HIVST; (v) challenges associated with HIVST distribution. We identified major themes, developed and refined a codebook. We used Nvivo version 11 for data management. MSM participants age ranged between 19 and 30 years. Participants described HIVST as a mechanism that would facilitate HIV testing uptake in a rapid, efficient, confidential, non-painful; and non-stigmatizing manner. Overall, MSM preferred HIVST to the conventional HIV testing approaches. Health workers were in support of distributing HIVST kits through MSM peers. MSM participants were willing to distribute the kits and recommended HIVST to their peers and sexual partners. They suggested HIVST kit distribution model work similarly to the current condom and lubricant peer model being implemented by TASO. Preferred channels were peers, hot spots, drop-in centres, private pharmacies and MSM friendly health facilities. Key concerns regarding use of HIVST were; unreliable HIVST results, social harm due to a positive result, need for a confirmatory test and linking both HIV positive and negative participants for additional HIV services. Distribution of HIVST kits by MSM peers is an acceptable strategy that can promote access to testing. HIVST was perceived by participants as beneficial because it would address many barriers that affect their acceptance of testing. However, a combined approach that includes follow-up, linkage to HIV care and prevention services are needed for effective results.

Okoboi S ，Twimukye A ，Lazarus O ，Castelnuovo B ，Agaba C ，Immaculate M ，Nanfuka M ，Kambugu A ，King R ... -  《Journal of the International AIDS Society》

'I will welcome this one 101%, I will so embrace it': a qualitative exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lagos, Nigeria.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Nigeria. A key strategy in reducing transmission is to increase HIV testing uptake and linkage to treatment for those who test positive. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase uptake of HIV testing among key populations at higher risk for HIV. We conducted 23 in-depth-interviews with MSM and two focus group discussions with key opinion leaders to explore perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of oral HIVST among MSM in Lagos, Nigeria. HIVST was highly acceptable because it was considered convenient to use, painless, private and addressed concerns about stigma. Concerns cited by participants included comprehensibility of instructions to perform and interpret results correctly, as well as lack of support mechanisms to facilitate post-test follow-up and linkage to care. Provision of adequate pre-test information was considered vital as part of the kit distribution process to ensure seamless use of HIVST kits. One-on-one peer-to-peer distribution strategies and retail outlets that facilitate anonymous pick-up are potential distribution channels identified in this study. Overall, our findings suggest that an HIVST program that incorporates these considerations would improve access to HIV testing among MSM in Nigeria.

Dirisu O ，Sekoni A ，Vu L ，Adebajo S ，Njab J ，Shoyemi E ，Ogunsola S ，Tun W ... -  《-》

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.

Xiao W ，Yan L ，Chen L ，Fu G ，Yang H ，Yang C ，Yan H ，Wei C ... -  《PLoS One》