Implementation of different HIV self-testing models with implications for HIV testing services during the COVID-19 pandemic: study protocol for secondary data analysis of the STAR Initiative in South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

HIV self-testing (HIVST) presents a convenient, private approach that removes barriers to providing HIV testing services. The Self-Testing Africa (STAR) Initiative aims to scale up HIVST among priority and undertested populations. HIVST has the potential to help maintain testing services during the social distancing restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This project evaluates linkage to confirmatory testing and treatment for HIV-positive clients for the STAR South Africa site.

Methods and analysis

This secondary data analysis protocol aims to evaluate different HIVST distribution models from a prospective study implemented during November 2017 and December 2020 by Ezintsha, a subdivision of Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute. Routin

SUBMITTER: Majam M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8130734 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature