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Consolidating emerging evidence surrounding HIVST and HIVSS: a rapid systematic mapping protocol
T Charles Witzel1, Peter Weatherburn2, Fiona M Burns3
1Sigma Research, Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK. Charles.witzel@lshtm.ac.uk.
Systematic Reviews
|April 7, 2017
Summary
This study maps emerging evidence on HIV self-testing (HIVST) and HIV self-sampling (HIVSS) to improve access. It aims to consolidate research on these HIV testing methods for better public health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- HIV self-testing (HIVST) is gaining global traction to increase access and reduce barriers to HIV testing.
- HIV self-sampling (HIVSS), previously limited in scope, may see renewed interest due to the momentum of HIVST.
- A significant body of evidence, primarily on acceptability and user preferences, has emerged for these interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically map all available evidence on HIV self-testing (HIVST) and HIV self-sampling (HIVSS).
- To consolidate and document emerging research in this rapidly evolving field.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of current evidence to inform policy and practice.
Main Methods:
- Systematic searches of databases and conference abstracts from 2006 to the present.
- Combined search terms for HIV (e.g., HIV, AIDS) and self-testing (e.g., home-test, self-test).
- Duplicate abstract review, manual data extraction, and entry into an open-access relational map (HIVST.org).
Main Results:
- The study systematically maps the growing body of evidence on HIVST and HIVSS.
- Identifies key themes and knowledge gaps in the existing literature.
- Establishes a dynamic platform (HIVST.org) for ongoing evidence dissemination.
Conclusions:
- This systematic map provides a crucial consolidation of evidence on HIVST and HIVSS.
- The findings will support the expansion of access to HIV testing globally.
- The innovative approach ensures rapid dissemination of new findings to relevant stakeholders.