Optimizing Peer Distribution of Syphilis Self-Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: A Multi-City Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Syphilis testing uptake is low among men who have sex with men (MSM) around the world. Syphilis self-testing (SST) may complement facility-based testing; the distribution model is yet to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of peer distribution of syphilis self-testing on promoting syphilis testing. We conducted a three-arm, unblinded, parallel individually randomized controlled trial among MSM in three cities in Guangdong, China. Inclusion criteria were: men who were born biologically male, aged 18 or above, have ever had sex with a man, will refer the interventions to peers, and will take the three-month follow-up survey. Enrolled indexes were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into standard-of-care arm (SOC arm), standard SST delivery arm (S-SST arm), and a web

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9831370 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature