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. 2022 Oct;19(5):394-408.
doi: 10.1007/s11904-022-00617-x. Epub 2022 Jul 29.

Examining the Use of HIV Self-Testing to Support PrEP Delivery: a Systematic Literature Review

Catherine Kiptinness  1   2 , Alexandra P Kuo  3 , Adriana M Reedy  4 , Cheryl C Johnson  5 , Kenneth Ngure  3   6   2 , Anjuli D Wagner  3   2 , Katrina F Ortblad  7
Affiliations

Examining the Use of HIV Self-Testing to Support PrEP Delivery: a Systematic Literature Review

Catherine Kiptinness et al. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose of review: HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to expand access to and uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the evidence on HIVST use for PrEP delivery.

Recent findings: After screening 1055 records, we included eight: three randomized trials and five values and preferences studies. None measured PrEP initiation. Most studies occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa (7/8) and included different populations. One trial found that HIVST use between quarterly clinic visits as part of an adherence package with biofeedback slightly increased adherence; the other two trials found that HIVST use between or in lieu of quarterly clinic visits had no significant or non-inferior effects on adherence. HIVST to support PrEP delivery was acceptable, feasible, and preferred. HIVST use for PrEP continuation largely resulted in similar outcomes to standard-of-care delivery and was perceived acceptable and feasible. Further research is needed to optimize HIVST use within PrEP programming.

Keywords: HIV prevention; HIV self-testing; Implementation science; PrEP delivery; Sub-Saharan Africa; Systematic literature review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the World Health Organization.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA diagram of reviewed and included studies in our review of the literature on HIV self-testing to support HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis delivery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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