Mobile HIV Testing Through Social Networking Platforms: Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Science

Background:

• Improving HIV screening in key populations is vital for AIDS elimination by 2030.
• Social networking platforms offer a potential avenue for recruiting high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) for HIV testing.
• Evaluating client recruitment and mobile HIV testing availability via social media is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of social networking platforms versus traditional websites for recruiting high-risk MSM for mobile HIV testing.
• To assess differences in HIV case finding between the two recruitment approaches.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study using propensity score matching compared traditional website-based recruitment with social networking platform recruitment for mobile HIV testing.
• Participants completed questionnaires on demographics and HIV risk behaviors before testing.
• Recruitment involved website-based sign-ups and social media engagement (dating apps, Facebook) with network referrals.

Main Results:

• The social networking model achieved a significantly higher completion rate (20.71%) compared to the traditional model (8.56%).
• Social networking successfully recruited MSM with higher-risk behaviors, including multiple partners and unprotected anal intercourse.
• The social networking VCT model showed significantly higher HIV positive rates (IRR 3.40) and clinic referral rates (IRR 0.03).

Conclusions:

• Social networking platforms are more effective than traditional methods for recruiting high-risk MSM for HIV testing.
• This approach increases HIV testing uptake and identifies more positive cases, contributing to public health goals.
• Targeted recruitment via social media enhances the reach and impact of mobile HIV testing services.