An innovative vending machine-based HIV testing and intervention service in China: anonymous urine collection kits distributed at universities

ABSTRACT

To find more effective test and intervention measures, and to achieve the first 90 of the 90–90–90 target, this study was conducted for the first time to develop and assess an innovative HIV anonymous urine test service-based vending machine and Internet at universities of China. From June to December 2016, 11 vending machines were placed in 7 pilot universities in Beijing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces. A total of 957 HIV urine collection kits were dispensed free and also through vending machines and 378 (39.5%) urine samples were returned and 376 (99.5%) of them were qualified to be tested for HIV antibody in professional laboratories. Participants searched for confidential test results using an ID code online. Only seven (1.86%) urine samples were positive. Monitoring data showed 67.8% (255/376) participants searched for test results online, 72.2% of kits were purchased in dormitory buildings and 27.8% were purchased in teaching buildings and 88.9% were purchased between 21:00 and 24:00. In conclusion, this study analyzes the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of HIV testing and intervention service.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV testing
• anonymous urine collection
• vending machine
• universities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Program to Establish and Implement Community-based Organization’s (CBO) Participation Mechanism in HIV/AIDS Control (OPP1120190) and the 12th Five-Year Plan of China (2013ZX10001001-001-007). The funder had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish and preparation of the manuscript.