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HiSTEP: A Single-Arm Pilot Study of a Technology-Assisted HIV Self-testing Intervention in Kampala, Uganda.

Keith J HorvathJohn Mark BwanikaSara LammertJoy BanonyaJoan AtuhaireGrace BanturakiLouis H KamulegeyaDavis MusinguziAgnes N Kiragga
Published in: AIDS and behavior (2021)
We developed and pilot tested a 3-month HIV self-testing intervention called HiSTEP ("HIV Self-testing Engagement Project") among 95 adult (18+ years) at-risk (condomless sex < 3 months) adults in Kampala, Uganda. HiSTEP leverages theoretically-grounded (in the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model) text messages, a telehealth centre with live support, and "last-mile" HIV self-testing kit delivery to a location chosen by the participant. Nearly 94% of participants were retained at month 3. HIV self-testing was highly acceptable across age and gender groups (94% very satisfied), although older women had slightly lower acceptability ratings (92% very satisfied). Only 13% of participants used HIV self-testing prior to enrollment. Over the 3-month study period, 86% of participants ordered a total of 169 HIV self-testing kits (69% for participant use; 31% for use by others). Findings show that the intervention approach taken in HiSTEP may be particularly valuable for engaging at-risk Ugandan adults in HIV self-testing using a novel technology-assisted promotion and delivery method.
Keyphrases
  • antiretroviral therapy
  • hiv positive
  • hiv testing
  • hiv infected
  • human immunodeficiency virus
  • men who have sex with men
  • hepatitis c virus
  • hiv aids
  • randomized controlled trial
  • south africa
  • healthcare
  • clinical trial