Peer-driven HIV testing in social networks.

MSM account for 68% of new HIV diagnoses in the Netherlands; about one third is diagnosed in a late disease stage. New methods are needed to reach MSM, in particular MSM from ethnic minority populations, who are more often not HIV tested or diagnosed in a late stage. We plan to use social networks to find these EM-MSM. High-risk EM-MSM ‘peers' will be enrolled through STI clinics/HIV treatment centres to distribute free oral HIV tests to high-risk EM-MSM in their social networks. Peers will be trained to use an online recruiting program. The project will provide insight whether SNT is effective in reaching high-risk EM-MSM for HIV testing, especially those who are not being reached in other ways.

Research question: To explore if Social Network Testing (SNT) for HIV is feasible and acceptable among men having sex with men with a non-Western migration background (MSM-NW), and if it reaches those who have never tested for HIV.

1 year follow-up

A pilot intervention, which will include ±50 MSM peers who will distribute ±5 oral HIV self-tests (HIVST) to their Network Associates (target population: 250 NAs). MSM-(NW) peers will be enrolled through a stepwise process, started by health care professionals (HCPs) at STI clinics, HIV treatment clinics or outreach locations. Interested MSM-(NW) fill in a contact flyer that is sent to the peer-coordinator, who will approach them with project information, and guidance to an e-learning tool that is integrated in the project website (Time2test.nl). The e-learning tool includes instructions and videos about HIVST, and how to identify and approach NAs for testing. After finishing the e-learning tool, they receive 5 pre-coded HIVST to distribute in their social network. NAs who receive the HIVST are directed to Time2test.nl for step-by-step test instructions. After testing, NAs receive follow-up information depending on their test result.