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Implementation of unassisted and community-based HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) during the COVID-19 pandemic among Men-who-have-sex-with-Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW): A demonstration study in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Rosadiño, John Danvic T; Pagtakhan, Ronivin G; Briñes, Matthew T; Dinglasan, Jeanno Lorenz G; Cruz, Denis P; Corciega, John Oliver L; Pagtakhan, Aeronne B; Regencia, Zypher Jude G; Baja, Emmanuel S.
  • Rosadiño JDT; LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
  • Pagtakhan RG; Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
  • Briñes MT; LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
  • Dinglasan JLG; LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
  • Cruz DP; College of Medicine, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Manila, Philippines.
  • Corciega JOL; LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
  • Pagtakhan AB; LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
  • Regencia ZJG; Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
  • Baja ES; LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
PLoS One ; 18(3): e0282644, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2278736
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of an unassisted and community-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) distribution model and to evaluate its acceptability among men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW).

METHODS:

Our demonstration study focused on implementing the HIVST distribution model in Metro Manila, Philippines. Convenience sampling was done with the following inclusion criteria MSM or TGW, at least 18 years old, and had no previous HIV diagnosis. Individuals taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, on antiretroviral therapy, or female sex at birth were excluded. The implementation of the study was done online using a virtual assistant and a delivery system via courier due to COVID-19-related lockdowns. Feasibility was measured by the number of HIVST kits successfully delivered and utilized and the HIV point prevalence. Moreover, acceptability was evaluated by a 10-item system usability scale (SUS). HIV prevalence was estimated with linkage to care prioritized for reactive participants.

RESULTS:

Out of 1,690 kits distributed, only 953 (56.4%) participants reported their results. Overall, HIV point prevalence was 9.8%, with 56 (60.2%) reactive participants linked to further testing. Furthermore, 261 (27.4%) of respondents self-reported, and 35 (13.4%) of the reactive participants were first-time testers. The HIVST service had an overall median and interquartile range (IQR) SUS score of 82.5 (IQR 75.0, 90.0), rendering the HIVST kits very acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study suggests the acceptability and feasibility of HIVST among the MSM and TGW in Metro Manila, Philippines, regardless of their age or HIV testing experience. In addition, other platforms of information dissemination and service delivery of HIVST should be explored, including access to online instructional videos and printed materials, which may facilitate easier use and interpretation of results. Furthermore, due to our study's limited number of TGW respondents, a more targeted implementation strategy to reach the TGW population is warranted to increase their access and uptake of HIVST.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: HIV Infections / Transgender Persons / Sexual and Gender Minorities / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adolescent / Female / Humans / Male / Infant, Newborn Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0282644

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: HIV Infections / Transgender Persons / Sexual and Gender Minorities / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adolescent / Female / Humans / Male / Infant, Newborn Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0282644