HIV testing and linkage to ART following secondary distribution of HIV self-test kits to male partners of women living with HIV: a pilot randomized control trial in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

South African men are underrepresented in HIV testing and treatment services. Secondary distribution of oral HIV self-test (HIVST) kits by women living with HIV (WLHIV) to their male partners (i.e. index partner HIVST) may increase men's testing and treatment but has been understudied.

Methods

Between March and July 2021, we evaluated the effectiveness of index partner HIVST versus the standard of care (SOC) (invitations for men's facility-based testing) on men's testing in a 1:1 randomized control trial. Eligibility criteria included: WLHIV; ≥18 years of age; attending one of four high-density rural clinics; have a working cell phone; and self-reported having a primary male partner of unknown serostatus. The primary outcome was the proportion of WLHIV reporting

SUBMITTER: Joseph Davey DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9188623 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature