Using technology to support HIV self-testing among MSM.

TitleUsing technology to support HIV self-testing among MSM.
Publication TypePublication
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsLeGrand S, Muessig KE, Horvath KJ, Rosengren AL, Hightow-Weidman LB
JournalCurr Opin HIV AIDS
Volume12
Issue5
Pagination425-431
Date Published2017 Sep
ISSN1746-6318
KeywordsHIV Infections, Homosexuality, Male, Humans, Male, Mass Screening
Abstract

<p><b>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: </b>Technology-based HIV self-testing (HST) interventions have the potential to improve access to HIV testing among gay, bisexual, and other MSM, as well as address concerns about HST use, including challenges with linkage to appropriate follow-up services. This review examines studies that use technology-based platforms to increase or improve the experience of HST among MSM.</p><p><b>RECENT FINDINGS: </b>Seven published studies and eight funded studies were included in this review. Comprehensive prevention interventions with free HST kit distribution and interventions that provide free HST kits and support the HST process address a greater number of barriers (e.g., access, correct use of testing kits, and correct interpretation of results) than studies that only distribute free HST kits through technology-based platforms.</p><p><b>SUMMARY: </b>By addressing HIV-testing barriers and specific HST concerns, these interventions address a critical need to improve first time and repeat testing rates among MSM. Additional research is needed to determine the efficacy of recent formative HST interventions. If proven efficacious, scale-up of these strategies have the potential to increase HIV testing among MSM via expanded HST uptake.</p>

DOI10.1097/COH.0000000000000400
Alternate JournalCurr Opin HIV AIDS
PubMed ID28617712
PubMed Central IDPMC5889120
Grant ListP30 AI064518 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
U19 HD089881 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States