HIV self-testing among transgender women in San Francisco – a pilot study

Aim: To explore potential for HIV self- testing (HIVST) among trans women – acceptability and feasibility.Method: 50 participants provided with OraQuick kits • Asked to test once a month for three months. • Survey data were collected at baseline, 1 mo, and 3 mos.

OraQuick Oral Fluid In-Home HIV Test

• IDIS with 11 participants at their final visit

Study population:• Median age was 42 (22-63)• 30% AA; 22% W; 20% H; 8% A • 48% reported homelessness in the

past year• 68% reported prior incarceration

Results – HIVST feasible and acceptable

• 88% returned at least once; 100% returning at 1 mo used the test at least once • 72% returned at 3 months; all but 1 used the tests again (most 2 times) • Approximately 25% used the test kit with others present

 

Confident used correctly98%

Collection was easy*94%

Results easy to read93%

Instructions easy to follow 91%

Tests were easy to use95%

* 2 people said it was “emotionally difficult” 

Recommend to others91%

Self-Test68%

Clinic/Medical Provider18%

No Preference14%

Preference for next test

Conclusions• HIVST is feasible and acceptable for trans women• The current price is too high for trans women, who would

need free/low-cost distribution to make this an option. (though many said they would pay up to $20)

• Need for HIVST strategies to enhance linkage to social and resource support – desire for privacy but need for support.

• Interest in enhanced opportunities for partner testing • Further research among trans women with fewer trans-

friendly services available are needed to explore how HIVST might extend the testing mix.

Poster # MOPDC0104: Lippman, Moran, Ventura, Castillo, Buchbinder, Treves-Kagan, Sevelius