Using an HIV Self-test Kit to Test a Partner: Attitudes and Preferences Among High-Risk Populations
- 8 May 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in AIDS and Behavior
- Vol. 24 (11), 3232-3243
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-020-02885-3
Abstract
For those most at risk of contracting HIV, new strategies for preventing transmission and increasing testing are needed. As part of a multi-site, randomized, controlled trial, we explored attitudes and preferences among 272 HIV-negative men who have sex with men and HIV-negative transgender women using an HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit to test partners. Less than one quarter had previously self-tested with HIVST kits (21.7%) and few had partner-tested (4.8%). Most preferred gum swab (96%) over fingerprick tests (69%), but would prefer a blood test if it gave results for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (86%). Five percent reported difficulties performing the test, four percent with storage, and 26% with portability. Ninety-three percent reported likelihood of using HIVST to test partners in future, but only 3% were willing to pay the current price. Efforts to improve HIVST uptake should focus on incorporating testing for other STIs, reducing test kit size, and reducing cost.Keywords
Funding Information
- National Institute of Mental Health (R01-HD076636, P30-MH43520, T15-LM007079)
- National Institute of Nursing Research (K23-NR017210, T32 NR014205)
- U.S. National Library of Medicine (R01-LM012355, R01-LM013045)
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (P60-MD006902)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (K12-HS026383)
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (KL2-TR001870)
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