HIV Self-Testing to Empower Prevention Choices in Sex Workers

This is a randomized clinical trial of HIV-uninfected transgender, female, and male sex workers. The overall goal is to test if HIV self-testing increases PrEP adherence (Aim 1), changes sexual risk behavior (Aim 2), and influences HIV prevention choices (Aim 3) in HIV-uninfected sex workers and their partners. For Aim 1, the investigators will recruit HIV-uninfected sex workers in Kampala, Uganda and randomize them to the intervention (monthly HIVST with quarterly clinic-based testing) or the control arm (quarterly clinic-based testing). Study participants will be trained how to use and interpret HIVST and be provided with 4 kits at enrollment and each quarterly visit: 2 kits for own use and 2 for sexual partners, with additional kits provided as needed. They will be instructed to self-test before opening a new PrEP bottle. The investigators will use Wise pill technology to evaluate patterns of PrEP use, and mobile phone interviews to assess HIVST use and confidence in PrEP effectiveness. The investigators will conduct Aim 2 within the randomized trial in Aim 1 and test whether HIVST changes sexual risk behavior. The investigators will use mobile phone interviews and semi-structured questionnaires to collect the behavioral data. In Aim 3 the investigators will use qualitative methods to assess how HIVST empowers use of HIV prevention interventions among sex workers and their partners.

Aim 1: To test if HIV self-testing versus clinic-based testing increases PrEP adherence among HIV-uninfected sex workers.

Approach: To evaluate the impact of HIVST on PrEP adherence, the investigators will randomize 110 HIV-uninfected transgender, female and male sex workers initiating PrEP in a 1:1 ratio to either monthly HIVST with quarterly in-clinic testing (intervention) or quarterly in-clinic HIV testing (standard of care). PrEP medications will be dispensed quarterly. Sex workers in the intervention arm will be instructed to self-test before starting each monthly course of PrEP. In this study, participants will receive counseling on the importance of strict PrEP adherence for HIV protection.

Hypothesis: Monthly HIVST will empower HIV prevention and motivate PrEP adherence among HIV-uninfected sex workers.

Aim 2: To test the effect of HIV self-testing on sexual risk behavior in sex workers taking PrEP.

Approach: Within the randomized trial in Aim 1, the investigators will provide HIVST kits to sex workers for own use, and with partners (primary and commercial). The investigators will use monthly live phone interviews and semi-structured questionnaires to collect data on high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g. sexual frequency, unprotected sex).

Hypothesis: Use of HIVST will be associated with decreased frequency of unprotected sex and sexually transmitted infections.

Aim 3: To explore how HIV self-testing influences prevention choices among sex workers and partners.

Approach: The investigators will conduct in-depth interviews with sex workers and their primary and commercial partners to assess perceptions and experiences with HIVST, explore how HIVST influences status disclosure, behavior change and PrEP use, and to better understand how mobile technology can be leveraged to motivate repeat testing in individuals at high ongoing risk of HIV.

Hypothesis: HIVST will empower sex workers to adopt protective behaviors, facilitate partner testing, and efficiently identify individuals with undiagnosed HIV infection.

Inclusion criteria

• Exchanged sex for goods or money at least once in the prior month
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• HIV-uninfected based on negative HIV rapid tests according to the national Uganda algorithm
• Adequate renal function (normal creatinine levels; calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 60ml/min)
• Not infected with Hepatitis B virus (negative HBsAg test)
• Not enrolled in HIV prevention trial currently or within the past year
• Not currently using PrEP
• Willing to remain in the study for the next 12 months
• Own a mobile phone for personal use
• Have regular access to electricity for charging a mobile phone

Exclusion criteria

• A physical or mental condition that prohibits informed consent and/or participation in study procedures