Theme: Models of Care Year: 2022
Background:
Self-testing for HIV has been used effectively to reach key populations. Currently, there is no data on
the real-world impact of HCVST. In these two studies, we aim to evaluate the impact of HCVST
models in Georgia and Malaysia for key populations recruited via online platforms.
Methods:
Georgia is a 5-arm study, with intervention (HCVST) and control arms (facility testing) for 1,250
participants (PWID and MSM) recruited online. Participants were randomized to courier delivery of
HCVST, peer-delivery of HCVST, or facility testing (control). Malaysia is a 2-arm study for 750 key
populations recruited online. Participants were randomized to HCVST (courier delivery) or facility
testing (control). Participants in both settings entered their test results into an online platform and
completed knowledge and attitude (KAP) and follow-up surveys on risk behaviours. We present
preliminary results on the uptake of HCVST compared to control in both settings.
Results:
In Georgia, 361 participants enrolled, 351 completed baseline assessments, median age was 27 (18-
67) years, 93.4% (328) male, 47.9% (168) MSM, 52.1% (183) PWID, 34.5% (121) never tested for
HCV. 55.6% (104) and 44.4% (83) completed follow up surveys in HCVST and control groups
respectively. Higher uptake of testing was observed in HCVST groups (44/50, 88.0%) compared to
controls (14/28, 50.6%) (p< 0.001). In Malaysia, 349 participants enrolled with a median age of 26
(22-30) years, 96.8% male, 87.7% MSM, 7.5% use illicit drugs and 58.6% never tested for HCV. 195
(84.1%) and 68 (58.2%) completed follow up surveys in HCVST and control groups respectively.
Significantly more participants reported testing uptake in the HCVST group (191/195, 97.9%)
compared to control (32/68, 47.1%) (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
Our preliminary results show that HCVST testing had a significant impact on increasing the uptake of
HCV testing compared to facility-based testing in key populations recruited through online
platforms.
Disclosure of Interest Statement:
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.