Acceptability of a HIV self-testing program among people who use illicit drugs

Abstract

Background: People who use illicit drugs (PWUD) remain at significantly elevated risk for HIV infection and continue to have very low testing rates. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been shown to be acceptable among many high-risk populations, but less is known about PWUD.

Methods: From May-June 2021, a HIVST program was implemented at a syringe services program (SSP) in Louisville, Kentucky. PWUD were given the option to privately self-test at the SSP or take the test home and follow-up with study staff. Primary outcomes were acceptability, ease of use, usability, reasons for self-testing, testing location, frequency of future testing, and preference for future testing location.

Results: Among 230 study participants, 77% reported high acceptability (i.e., the HIVST kits made them feel much more able to keep track of their HIV status compared to standard testing methods). Virtually all (97.4%) reported the test kits were very easy to use. Problems while using the HIVST kits were rare (range 1.3-3.0%). The most common reasons for testing were a desire to know their status (85.2%), the test was free (37%), and the short duration for results (30.9%). Testing primarily occurred onsite (87.8%). The majority (83%) reported they would use the HIVST kits at least every six months if made available through the health department and would prefer to test at home (71.7%). Multivariate analyses found that awareness of and intention to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were significantly associated with high acceptability and testing onsite.

Conclusion: Study participants found HIVST to be acceptable and very easy to use. The multivariate findings suggest HIVST interventions should be packaged with PrEP interventions and harm reduction programs.

Keywords: Epidemiology; HIV; Harm reduction; People who use illicit drugs; Screening; Self-testing.