Prevalence of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Migrant Communities in Slovakia

Before project launch, key materials were prepared, including informed consents, posters, informational leaflets, patient cards, social media posts, standard operating procedures, patient management plans and patient registries. Necessary medical supplies (rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, lancets, sterile pads, gloves and personal protective equipment) were secured.

A psychologist was available throughout the project to support patients with reactive results, help arrange appointments for laboratory confirmation and specialist care, and accompany patients if requested. Confirmatory diagnostics and treatment pathways were pre-arranged with University Hospital Bratislava (Dermatovenerology Clinic for syphilis; Infectious Diseases Clinic for HIV and viral hepatitis).

Rapid testing using capillary blood was conducted. Participants signed informed consent before testing. Four drops of finger-prick blood were applied to rapid test plates, with results available after 10 minutes. Patient IDs, anonymized codes and results were recorded. Regardless of results, all patients received basic counselling on the screened diseases and prevention. In reactive cases, patients were informed immediately, referred for confirmation, and provided psychological support. Confirmed patients received clinical evaluation and treatment covered by state health insurance. Medical and administrative supplies at the facility were replenished weekly.

A second field activity, "Health Day," was implemented at the Assistance Centre on Bottova Street, operated by the Municipality of Bratislava. Partners included the Regional Public Health Authority, the Bratislava Association of Medical Students and SCORA, and EQUITA. The event was promoted through posters and social media. Participants were offered rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, as well as basic cardiovascular screening and stool tests for occult bleeding. Informational brochures, condoms, menstrual aids and patient cards were distributed.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

STIs Communicable Diseases Disease Attributes Genital Diseases HIV Infections Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Rapid Detection Sexually Transmitted Diseases Urogenital Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava

Bratislava, 81108, Slovakia

About this study

Before launching the project, all required materials were prepared, including informed consents, posters, informational leaflets, patient cards, social media posts, standard operating procedures, patient management plans and registries. Medical supplies (rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, lancets, sterile pads, gloves and PPE) were secured.

The main field activity took place at the Health Care Centre for Ukrainian refugees in Bratislava (Rovniankova 1), operated by EQUITA and the Bratislava Administrative Region. Screening was promoted through posters in waiting areas, printed leaflets, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Telegram). Testing was provided during regular operating hours to any patient. A psychologist was present to support reactive cases and assist with referral and follow-up. Prior agreements ensured laboratory confirmation and specialist care at University Hospital Bratislava (Dermatovenerology for syphilis; Infectious Diseases Clinic for HIV, hepatitis B and C).

Rapid screening using capillary finger-prick blood was conducted. After informed consent, four blood drops were applied to rapid tests, with results available in 10 minutes. Patient identifiers, anonymized codes and results were recorded. All patients received basic prevention counselling. Reactive patients were immediately informed, referred for confirmatory testing, and guided to specialist care; therapy was covered by state health insurance. Supplies at the Centre were replenished weekly.

A second field activity, "Health Day," was implemented at the Assistance Centre on Bottova Street in cooperation with multiple partners. The event offered rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, basic cardiovascular screening, and colorectal cancer stool tests. Informational materials, condoms and menstrual aids were distributed, and participants received patient cards documenting results.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Ukrainian war refugees residing temporarily in Bratislava region
18 years and older
signed the informed consent

Exclusion criteria

non Ukrainian war refugees
age less than 18 years
not signing the informed consent

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C reactivity rates

Time frame: From enrolment to 9 months after enrolment

Reactive result on rapid screening

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Comenius University

Other

Collaborators

World Health Organization

Registry information

Official study title

Prevalence of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Migrant Communities in Slovakia With a Special Emphasis on Refugees From Ukraine

Important dates

Study start: 2023
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Nov 19, 2025
Registry last updated: Feb 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed