Self-testing for HIV among partners of newly diagnosed HIV persons – the pilot program of Test and Keep in Care (TAK) project

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study is to conduct a pilot program for self-testing for HIV during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The target population was the partners of newly diagnosed HIV persons. The premise of the program was to offer such partners a test that they could perform in the conditions, at the time, and with the assistance of persons they themselves selected. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The self-test kits were sent to an outpatient clinic providing care for people living with HIV, where, after taking a preliminary history, the physician who treats the newly diagnosed HIV patients handed them over for use by the partner of the patient. Only the persons who reported having relations with their sexual partner were included in the study. Information on whether the partner accepted the test kit and the self-test result were obtained at the subsequent visit. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Between June 2020 and March 2021, the total number of handed out test kits was 48 kits intended for 24 persons, included 11 women, average age of participants: 35, sexual orientation: 20 persons reported heterosexual orientation, two persons reported homosexual orientation, two failed to provide information on their sexual orientation. All persons tested negative. The pilot program found that self-testing kits are a method for HIV screening in partners of newly diagnosed HIV persons that is simple to apply and easy to accept.