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[Preprint]. 2024 Apr 2:rs.3.rs-4132978.
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4132978/v1.

I was like sh*t this is gonna hurt': Implementing Self-Sampling of Dried Blood Spots to Measure HIV Viral Load

Jennifer V Chavez  1 , Leah Davis Ewart  1 , Ozair Ilyas  2 , Delaram Ghanooni  1 , José E Diaz  3 , Lindsay Atkins  4 , Richard Ramos  2 , Adriana Hernandez Garayua  2 , Alex Stewart  2 , Keith J Horvath  4 , Sabina Hirshfield  3 , Adam W Carrico  1
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I was like sh*t this is gonna hurt': Implementing Self-Sampling of Dried Blood Spots to Measure HIV Viral Load

Jennifer V Chavez et al. Res Sq. .

Update in

Abstract

Background: Sexual minority men (SMM) with HIV who use stimulants may experience greater difficulties with antiretroviral therapy adherence which amplifies risk for unsuppressed HIV viral load (VL). Remote monitoring of VL could support efforts to rapidly respond to sub-optimal adherence.

Methods: This qualitative study enrolled 24 SMM with HIV who use stimulants to examine experiences with two different dried blood spots (DBS) self-sampling devices (i.e., Tasso-M20 vs. HemaSpot HD) to measure VL. Participants were asked to complete self-sampling of DBS using both devices, and then participated in a 45-minute semi-structured interview. Interviews focused on ease of use, device preference, experiences with receiving and mailing kits, and barriers to participating in research. A thematic analysis was conducted to analyze interviews transcripts.

Results: Twenty-two participants (92%) returned the Tasso-M20 and 21 (88%) returned the Hemaspot HD devices. Among the 22 participants that completed qualitative interviews, twenty-three codes were identified and collapsed within seven themes. Preferences for devices were based on convenience, pain and prior experiences with finger-pricking technology. Participants emphasized that clearer instructions with contingency plans for self-sampling of DBS would improve the user experience with self-sampling of DBS. Intersectional stigma (e.g., HIV, sexual minority status, and substance use) was noted as an important consideration in implementing self-sampling of DBS. Promoting decision making, or the option to choose sampling method based on personal preferences, may improve engagement and likelihood of DBS completion.

Conclusions: Findings will guide the broader implementation of self-sampling of DBS to optimize VL monitoring in SMM with HIV who use stimulants.

Keywords: HIV viral load; acceptability; methamphetamine; self-sampling; stimulants.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Written instructions and video instruction link for the Tasso M-20 device
Figure 2
Figure 2
Written instructions and video instruction link for the HemaSpot HD device
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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