Initiative Summary
With Canada’s first HIV self-test (HIVST) approved in November2020, gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit, queer (GBT2Q) men and non-binary people across Canada can now Test@Home.
For this program, CBRC wanted to understand the real-world use of the HIVST with a focus on GBT2Q men and non-binary people who experience barriers with traditional testing options.
Within Sex Now 2021, participants who were 18 years and older were able to opt in to receive free HIV self-test kits by mail while completing the survey. Individuals who were eligible could ask for up to three HIV self-test kits to use themselves or to share with friends or people in their sexual or social networks.
This project was supported by the Test Now Buddy Program and built on their at-home Dried Blood Spot (DBS) pilot in BC, held during Sex Now 2019.
Initiative Objectives and Goals
The goal of this study was to examine the acceptability, uptake and feasibility of HIV self-testing among GBT2Q men and non-binary people. Secondary to this, Sex Now 2021: Test@Home aimed to also examine the uptake of secondary distribution of HIV self-testing to the social and sexual networks for GBT2Q men and non-binary people.
The Role of this Initiative to End the HIV Epidemic
Gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit and queer men are over-represented amongst people living with HIV and in new HIV infections across Canada. Testing initiatives that target and support this population will aid in ending the transmission of HIV.
Meaningful Engagement with People with Lived Experience
CBRC's core pillars of community-led research, knowledge exchange, network building, and leadership development position the organization as a thought leader, transforming ideas into actions that make a difference in our communities.
This study aimed to recruit 2500 GBT2Q participants and distribute 5000 HIV self-test kits. The CBRC promotes the health of gay men through research and intervention development. They are inclusive of bisexual and queer men (cis and trans) and Two-Spirit people.
Region
National
A REACH Funded Initiative
Initiative Leads
CBRC
Principal co-investigators: Nathan Lachowsky, Jody Jollimore, Chris Draenos
Key performance indicators
Primary target audience
Gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit and queer men and non-binary people
Start Date
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Strategic marketing and support tactics
Web, social media, paid social media, partner and influencer engagement.
RESULTS
The initiative will launch in Winter 2020. Results will be shared at a later date.
Results
Results will be shared once they are available.
Insights
