HIV self‐test: a tool to expand test uptake among men who have sex with men who have never been tested for HIV in São Paulo, Brazil

Objectives HIV self‐testing is an effective tool to improve diagnostic coverage in key populations, enabling linkage to care and access to antiretroviral therapy. Its implementation requires better understanding of patients’ perspectives on this novel strategy. The aim of the study was to investigat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:HIV medicine 2022-05, Vol.23 (5), p.451-456
Main Authors: Vasconcelos, Ricardo, Avelino‐Silva, Vivian I., de Paula, Ivone A., Jamal, Leda F., Gianna, Maria Clara, Santos, Flavio, Camargo, Robinson, Barbosa, Eduardo, Casimiro, Gilvane, Cota, Vanda, Abbate, Maria C., Cruz, Marly, Segurado, Aluisio C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Antiretroviral agents
Antiretroviral therapy
Brazil
early diagnosis
Education
Health care
Health care facilities
HIV
HIV Infections - diagnosis
homosexuality
Homosexuality, Male
Human immunodeficiency virus
Humans
Male
Medical tests
Public health
Public policy
Self-Testing
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Sexually transmitted diseases
Sociodemographics
STD
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Summary:Objectives HIV self‐testing is an effective tool to improve diagnostic coverage in key populations, enabling linkage to care and access to antiretroviral therapy. Its implementation requires better understanding of patients’ perspectives on this novel strategy. The aim of the study was to investigate the perception of men who have sex with men (MSM) regarding the HIV oral fluid self‐test (HIVST) in São Paulo, Brazil, and to analyse the sociodemographic characteristics and testing strategy preferences of individuals registered to undertake HIVST. Methods Preceding the implementation of HIVST use as public policy in 2019, we recruited MSM living in São Paulo to undertake HIVST using a digital platform, and investigated their sociodemographic profiles, testing experiences and testing preferences. Results were compared according to reported lifetime HIV testing. Results A total of 6477 MSM (median age 28 years) were recruited to the study from April 9th to December 31st, 2018. Seventy‐eight per cent reported previous HIV testing. The opening hours of health facilities (53%), concern about disclosing intimate personal information to health care providers (34%) and fear of stigma (21%) were reported as the main barriers to testing. Older age, higher education, illicit drug use and self‐identifying as gay were associated with prior HIV testing (P 
ISSN:1464-2662
1468-1293
DOI:10.1111/hiv.13178