Features of an operational study on the acceptability of HIV self-testing in a pandemic

The dissemination of COVID-19 began in parallel with our field work. The state of emergency and some restrictions influenced the collection of data for our study, and the process was disrupted. Nevertheless, we needed to take measures to continue the implementation of the study, as well as providing the necessary services for key groups. ”
Tamar Zurashvili Member of the Georgian Harm Reduction Network

Task

As part of the SoS_project, in early 2020, the Georgian Harm Reduction Network launched an operational study to assess the acceptability of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs in Georgia.

The overall objective of the study is to determine the acceptability of HIV self-testing to improve test coverage and communication with medical care by distributing oral fluid and blood test kits among MSM and PWID in Georgia. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, Georgia declared a state of emergency and imposed some restrictions on movement and assembly throughout the country. Starting from this period, the number of outreach visits, as well as visits to facilities, fell sharply, and the data collection for our study was interrupted. We needed to find a way to continue our work under quarantine, since it was not clear how long it would last, and we did not want to abandon an effective and potentially very useful and important initiative.

Solution

To ensure the uninterrupted provision of services, a special operational guide was developed for sites providing services to the Georgian Harm Reduction Network, which indicates work schedules, safety measures and operating rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the limited possibilities of using the outreach approach, priority was given to distributing self-testing kits on sites. In addition, with the support of the SoS project, a one-month supply of safety products was purchased (including masks, sanitizers, gloves, medical gowns, etc.), which were delivered to organizations and sites participating in the study, which helped the employees involved necessary protective measures for themselves and ensure the safety of clients during their visits.

In addition, it is planned to launch home delivery of test kits. Social workers will contact the beneficiaries over the phone and through social networks, request consent to participate in the operational research and offer home delivery of the test kit.

Result

Thanks to the measures taken, about 250 test kits were distributed. Despite the quarantine restrictions, it helped 250 representatives of key groups not only to find out their HIV status, but also to improve the quality and increase the life expectancy of their closest associates, their partners, as well as learn about vital and necessary interventions, which will allow them, if necessary, to undergo retesting in the future on their own, without involving social and / or medical workers. And the result of the operational research, of which these people became a part, will help to inform and guide further work with these key groups.