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Table 2 Characteristics of included RCTs

From: Comparing the effects of HIV self-testing to standard HIV testing for key populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study

Country

Total randomised

Study population

Intervention(s)/support tools

Standard of care

HIVST distribution method

Chanda et al. [22]

Zambia

965

FSW

• Peer educator provided risk reduction counselling; condom distribution; HIV testing information

• Group HIVST demonstration

• Peer educator delivered HIVST kit (arm 1)

• Peer educator delivered coupons for HIVST collection at facilities (arm 2)

• Peer educator provided risk reduction counselling; condom distribution; HIV testing information

• Facility-based distribution (arm 1)

• Secondary distribution—peers (arm 2)

Jamil et al. [23]

Australia

362

MSM

• 4 HIVST kits at enrolment, option to request additional kits (max 12 per year)

• 24/7 telephone hotline

• Standard HIV testing services

• Facility-based distribution

• Distribution by mail (optional)

Katz et al. [24]

USA

230

MSM (n=226), trans people (n=4; 1 trans woman, 3 gender-queer/neutral)

• 1 HIVST kit at enrolment, option to request additional kits (max 1 per month)

• In-person demonstration; information about HIV testing and reminders; 24/7 telephone hotline

• HIV testing advice

• Offer of testing reminders (email, phone or letter) at desired frequency

• Facility-based distribution

• Distribution by mail (optional)

Kelvin et al. [25]

Kenya

2196

FSW

• Choice of supervised self-administered HIVST at facility (overseen by health worker) or free HIVST kit for home use

• Provider administered testing

• Testing reminder via SMS

• HIVST at facilities

MacGowan et al. [20]

USA

2665

MSM

• 4 HIVST kits at enrolment (mail), option to request additional kits 3 monthly

• HIV testing information; 24/7 telephone hotline

• Standard HIV testing services

• Online/mail distribution

Merchant et al. [26]

USA

425

MSM (18–24 years)

• Internet gift card for online order of HIVST kit

• HIV testing advice

• Web link to testing service locator

• Online/mail distribution

Ortblad et al. [27, 28]

Uganda

960

FSW

• Peer educator provided risk reduction counselling; condom distribution; HIV testing information

• Group HIVST demonstration

• Peer educator delivered HIVST kit (arm 1)

• Peer educator delivered coupons for HIVST collection at facilities (arm 2)

• Peer educator provided risk reduction counselling; condom distribution; HIV testing information

• Facility-based distribution (arm 1)

• Secondary distribution—peers (arm 2)

Tang et al. [29]

China

1381

MSM (n=1313), trans women (n=68)

• Access to HIVST kits promoted via social media along with a promotional campaign on HIV testing

• Routine health promotion efforts

• Online/mail distribution

Wang et al. [30]

Hong Kong SAR

430

MSM

• 1 HIVST kit at enrolment (mail)

• 3 min online video promoting HIV testing; 4 min online video promoting HIVST; 15 min motivational interview conducted over the phone by trained staff to promote HIVST

• Real-time instructions and pre/post-test counselling provided online

• Accompaniment to clinic appointment for confirmatory testing

• 3 min online video promoting HIV testing

• Online/mail distribution

Wray et al. [31]

USA

65

MSM

• HIVST kits mailed at 3 monthly intervals (arm 1)

• HIVST kits fitted with Bluetooth device mailed at 3 monthly intervals (arm 2)

• Follow-up by counsellor when kit opened; risk reduction counselling and referral to prevention services (arm 2)

• 3-monthly letters with HIV testing information

• Online/mail distribution