High willingness to use novel HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infection partner notification, testing, and treatment strategies among gay and bisexual men

Abstract

ObjectivesWe sought to determine willingness of gay and bisexual men (GBM) to give HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits with patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) and engage in geosocial sexual networking (GSN) app-based partner notification.MethodsA nationwide sample of GBM who self-tested HIV negative (n=786) were asked about their willingness to give recent sex partners (main and casual) PDPT with an HIVST kit (PDPT+HIVST) after hypothetical bacterial STI (BSTI) diagnosis. Men were also asked about their willingness to notify sexual partners met on GSN apps using an anonymous app function after BSTI diagnosis. We examined associations of relationship status and condomless anal sex with casual partners, recent BSTI diagnosis and perceived risk of HIV on PDPT+HIVST and anonymous app-based partner notification willingness (dichotomised) using binary logistic regressions, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education and US region. From the partner’s perspective after receiving an app-based referral, frequency measures were used to report intentions for obtaining subsequent HIV/BSTI counselling and testing, engaging in HIVST if provided a free voucher, and obtaining BSTI treatment from a pharmacy with prescription voucher.ResultsMost (90.1%) were willing to give PDPT+HIVST to recent sex partners after STI diagnosis, and nearly all (96.4%) were willing to notify sex partners met online using an anonymous function within GSN apps. Regardless of casual partner condomless anal sex engagement, partnered GBM had higher odds of reporting willingness to give PDPT+HIVST compared with single men who recently engaged in condomless anal sex with a casual partner. If anonymously notified via an app, 92.5% reported they would likely obtain counselling and testing, 92.8% would engage in HIVST if provided a free voucher, and 93.4% would obtain treatment from a pharmacy with prescription voucher.ConclusionsGBM generally found novel partner notification, testing, and treatment strategies acceptable, indicating the need for feasibility and cost-effectiveness evaluations.

HIV self-testing with digital supports as the new paradigm: A systematic review of global evidence (2010–2021)

“…Social media or app-based innovations were evaluated in 33% (15/46) of studies [40] , [41] , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] . Three studies assessed mobile HIVST-specific apps (7%, 3/46) [ 41 , 50 , 54 ].…”

“…Three studies assessed mobile HIVST-specific apps (7%, 3/46) [ 41 , 50 , 54 ]. Social media apps (e.g., Facebook, WeChat) and geospatial dating apps (e.g., Blued™, Grindr™) to promote HIVST were assessed in 26% (12/46) of studies [ 40 , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [51] , [52] , [53] ].…”

Developing HIV Assisted Partner Notification Services Tailored to Mexican Key Populations: A Qualitative Approach

“…users are offered the referral) (35). As for overcoming the di culty of contacting casual partners, one option recommended by other studies-and suggested by MSM in our ndings as well-is geosocial networking app-based noti cation, which MSM have shown high willingness to use, particularly with an anonymous setting (36)(37)(38). Finally, a last consideration for the implementation of APNS in Mexico is that most of the states' criminal codes contemplate putting others at risk for infection as a crime (39); APNS should be implemented in all HIV/AIDS services to help avoiding potential legal cases.…”

Developing HIV assisted partner notification services tailored to Mexican key populations: a qualitative approach

“…However, the use of the opt-out referral in Mexico would have to be evaluated given the context of stigma and discrimination against HIV key populations. As for overcoming the difficulty of contacting casual partners, one option recommended by other studies—and suggested by MSM in our findings as well—is geosocial networking app-based notification, which MSM have shown high willingness to use, particularly with an anonymous setting [ 41 – 43 ]. Finally, a last consideration for the implementation of APNS in Mexico is that most of the states’ criminal codes contemplate putting others at risk for infection as a crime [ 44 ]; APNS should be implemented in all HIV/AIDS services to help avoiding potential legal cases.…”