Integrated HIV self-testing (HIVST) service delivery in Queensland for policy and service development: study protocol

ABSTRACT

This study aims to pilot and evaluate an integrated model for HIV self-testing (HIVST) service delivery in a peer-led Queensland community setting to increase access to HIVST, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM) living in regional, remote and rural areas. It seeks to provide evidence that would overcome some of the key objections previously raised to HIVST.

Recruitment strategies have been designed to engage hard to reach MSM populations in testing. Awareness of the trial will be generated through advertising on social media platforms, including dating applications, word of mouth and HIV related websites. Participants will access an HIVST online ordering system hosted by a HIV community organisation. This system: (1) enables on-line informed consent; 2) gives clients the choice to accept verbal pre-test information from a trained peer test facilitator or not; and (3) allows for ordering of the HIVST kit after completion of an online survey (with demographic information and testing history etc.). Clients receive the kits via the post; and at 2 weeks receive a follow-up phone-call and SMS link to a post-test survey. If the test is non-reactive, clients can opt for test reminders. If reactive, referral to clinical services, peer navigation and support systems are provided.

This study addresses important gaps in understanding of acceptable and feasible methods to integrate HIVST into an existing peer-led testing service and into the broader suite of HIV testing options and services. The findings will inform the actions needed to enhance access to HIVST for MSM wishing to use this technology in Australia and elsewhere, especially those who have never tested and infrequent testers.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV self-testing
• HIV home-testing
• peer
• community
• men who have sex with men
• MSM

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants and staff at QPP, particularly Mr Izriel Durkin, for making this project possible. The study team also acknowledge the support and assistance of INTEGRATED SCIENCES Pty. Ltd, from whom the study products were purchased, in gaining TGA Clinical Trial Application.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Author contributions

ODW is the PI of the study. JL, ODW and JAD initiated the study development. ODW, JAD, JD, JL, GD, and CFG contributed to the first iteration of the study design and methods. All authors contributed to refining the study methods and design. JAD drafted the study protocol. SB drafted the protocol manuscript. All authors read and approved the final study protocol and manuscript.

Data availability statement

There is no dataset currently associated with this study.

ORCID

Sara Fiona Elisabeth Bell http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5463-0217

Judith Ann Dean http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2513-2013

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the HIV Foundation Queensland under Grant [2017-10].