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HIV self-testing in cis women in Canada: The GetaKit study
Lauren Orser1, Alexandra Musten1, Hannah Newman1
1School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Women'S Health (London, England)
|March 31, 2025
Summary
Cis women show lower uptake of HIV self-testing despite similar HIV risks and positive test results compared to cis men. Increased access to HIV self-tests and linkage to care are recommended for this population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Ongoing HIV diagnoses in cis women necessitate targeted testing strategies.
- HIV self-tests are being promoted for cis women to identify infections and link to care.
- Limited data exists on the risk characteristics of cis women accessing HIV self-tests in Canada.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine demographic characteristics, risk factors, and test results of cis women using HIV self-tests.
- To compare cis women who obtained HIV self-tests with cis men through the GetaKit.ca platform.
Main Methods:
- Observational cohort study (GetaKit.ca) providing free HIV self-tests to Canadians.
- Analysis of cis women ordering HIV self-tests between April 2021 and May 2023.
- Comparison of cis women and cis men using frequency, mean, and chi-square analyses.
Main Results:
- Cis women accounted for 22% of HIV self-test orders.
- Cis women reported higher injection drug use and lower prior STI/HIV testing rates.
- HIV self-test positivity rates were similar between cis women (0.2%) and cis men (0.3%).
Conclusions:
- Cis women demonstrate lower overall HIV testing uptake despite comparable risks and positive test results.
- Future interventions should enhance access to HIV self-tests for cis women.
- Improved linkage to care, including HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment, is crucial for cis women.
