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. 2022 Dec;23(1):120-135.
Epub 2022 Mar 29.

"We are looking at the future right now": community acceptability of a home-based viral load test device in the context of HIV cure-related research with analytical treatment interruptions in the United States

Karine Dubé  1 , John Kanazawa  1 , Christopher Roebuck  2   3 , Steven Johnson  3 , William B Carter  3 , Lynda Dee  4   5   6 , Beth Peterson  7 , Kenneth M Lynn  8 , Linden Lalley-Chareczko  9 , Emily Hiserodt  9 , Sukyung Kim  8 , Daniel Rosenbloom  10 , Brad R Evans  10 , Melanie Anderson  10 , Daria J Hazuda  10 , Lisa Shipley  10 , Kevin Bateman  10 , Bonnie J Howell  10 , Karam Mounzer  9 , Pablo Tebas  8 , Luis J Montaner  7
Affiliations

"We are looking at the future right now": community acceptability of a home-based viral load test device in the context of HIV cure-related research with analytical treatment interruptions in the United States

Karine Dubé et al. HIV Res Clin Pract. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Background: People with HIV (PWH) and community members have advocated for the development of a home-based viral load test device that could make analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs) less burdensome.

Objective: We assessed community acceptability of a novel home-based viral load test device.

Methods: In 2021, we conducted 15 interviews and 3 virtual focus groups with PWH involved in HIV cure research. We used conventional thematic analysis to analyze the data.

Results: PWH viewed the home-based viral load test device as a critical adjunct in ongoing HIV cure trials with ATIs. The ability to test for viral load at home on demand would alleviate anxiety around being off ART. Participants drew parallels with glucometers used for diabetes. A preference was expressed for the home-based test to clearly indicate whether one was detectable or undetectable for HIV to mitigate risk of HIV transmission to partners. Perceived advantages of the device included convenience, sense of control, and no puncturing of veins. Perceived concerns were possible physical marks, user errors and navigating the logistics of mailing samples to a laboratory and receiving test results. Participants expressed mixed effects on stigma, such as helping normalize HIV, but increased potential for inadvertent disclosure of HIV status or ATI participation. Increasing pluri-potency of the device beyond viral load testing (e.g., CD4+ count test) would increase its utility. Participants suggested pairing the device with telemedicine and mobile health technologies.

Conclusions: If proven effective, the home-based viral load test device will become a critical adjunct in HIV cure research and HIV care.

Keywords: HIV cure research; Home-based viral load; acceptability; analytical treatment interruptions; people with HIV.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
a. Experimental home-based viral load test device under development by Tasso and Merck & Co, Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA. b. Tasso home-based viral load test device demonstration video.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Preliminary conceptual framework for community acceptability of home-based viral load testing in the context of HIV cure-related research with ATIs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. TAG. Research Toward a Cure Trials. 2021. Available: http://www.treatmentactiongroup.org/cure/trials
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