HIV self-testing in the real world is acceptable for many: post-test participant feedback from the GetaKit study in Ottawa, Canada

Abstract

Background: HIV self-testing is the latest strategy to improve access to testing, diagnosis and treatment. Such strategies are beneficial due to the improved individual- and population-level health outcomes that emerge from early HIV diagnosis. Aims: While most research shows that HIV self-testing is acceptable and feasible, yielding higher numbers of first-time testers and positivity rates, compared to clinic-based testing, little evidence exists outside low- and middle-income countries about such testing. Methods: We implemented GetaKit.ca, a website through which eligible participants could register for and obtain an INSTI® HIV self-testing to their home, and then report the result back. Results: Those who returned to the website were asked to complete a post-test survey, which had a low response rate (42%), but identified satisfaction scores of 92%. Notably, 5% of testers sought in-person care after ordering the self-test, and only 80% of participants agreed that the INSTI® HIV self-test was easy to use. Conclusions: Participants provided tangible solutions to improve this test, which we feel are easy to incorporate and essential to maintain HIV self-testing efforts.