Self-testing, communication and information technology to promote HIV diagnosis among young gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil.

Raquel B De Boni,Marly Cruz,Trista Bingham,Aristides Barbosa,Beatriz Grinsztejn,Renato Girade Correa,Nena Lentini,Valdiléa G Veloso,Vanda Cota,Ana Cfs Santelli

doi:10.1002/jia2.25116

Abstract

Self-testing, communication and information technology to promote HIV diagnosis among young gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil.

Highlights

With the need to expand HIV diagnosis options for men who have sex with men (MSM), especially among young MSM, a committed team of governmental, research and non-governmental organizations in Curitiba, Brazil launched and evaluated a multi-component implementation science project from February 2015 to February 2017 to improve HIV outcomes for MSM
A centerpiece of the project was a communications plan tailoring dynamic visuals with printed and virtual messaging to appeal to the target population; an attractive, online instructional video for HIV self-testing (HIVST) users [https://www.ahoraeagora.org]; and frequent in-person outreach events in places where MSM socialize in Curitiba
Working to ensure outreach to these groups, organizations involved in project implementation partnered with gay and MSM-friendly establishments such as saunas, movie theatres, cafes, and bars to further disseminate HIVST information

Summary

Introduction

With the need to expand HIV diagnosis options for MSM, especially among young MSM, a committed team of governmental, research and non-governmental organizations in Curitiba, Brazil launched and evaluated a multi-component implementation science project from February 2015 to February 2017 to improve HIV outcomes for MSM. This project, called A Hora E Agora (The Time is ) [10], implemented a multi-pronged approach to increase HIV testing and linkage to care among MSM.

Results

Conclusion