Online HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) Dissemination by an Australian Community Peer HIV Organisation: A Scalable Way to Increase Access to Testing, Particularly for Suboptimal Testers

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2021-10, Vol.18 (21), p.11252
• Main Authors: Bell, Sara Fiona Elisabeth, Lemoire, Jime, Debattista, Joseph, Redmond, Andrew M., Driver, Glen, Durkin, Izriel, Coffey, Luke, Warner, Melissa, Howard, Chris, Williams, Owain David, Gilks, Charles F., Dean, Judith Ann
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Medical tests; Rural areas; Self testing; Sexually transmitted diseases; STD; Willingness to pay
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111252

HIV self-testing (HIVST) introduces opportunities for screening in non-conventional settings, and addresses known testing barriers. This study involved the development and evaluation of a free online HIVST dissemination service hosted by a peer-led, community-based organisation with on-site, peer-facilitated HIV testing, and established referral and support programs for people newly diagnosed with HIV to determine whether this model was feasible and acceptable for engaging MSM, particularly among infrequent and naive HIV-testers, or those living in remote and rural areas. Between December 2016 and April 2018, 927 kits were ordered by 794 individuals, the majority of whom were men who have sex with men (MSM) (62%; 494), having condomless sex (50%; 392), or living outside a major city (38%; 305). Very few (5%; 39) sought the available pre-test peer contact, despite 45% (353) being naive HIV-testers. This study demonstrates that online HIVST dissemination is acceptable and feasible for engaging at-risk suboptimal testers, including those unwilling to test elsewhere (19%; 47/225). With half (50%; 403) unwilling to buy a kit, our study suggests that HIVST will need to be subsidized (cost-neutral to users) to enhance population coverage and access.