TY - JOUR T1 - A Cross-Sectional Assessment of HIV Self-Testing Preferences and Uptake Among Key Populations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia JF - Global Health: Science and Practice JO - GLOB HEALTH SCI PRACT DO - 10.9745/GHSP-D-21-00412 VL - 10 IS - 3 SP - e2100412 AU - Michael M. Cassell AU - Philippe Girault AU - Sopha Nith AU - Chandary Rang AU - Sereyvisith Sokhan AU - Sovannary Tuot AU - Vichet Kem AU - Pagna Dork AU - Aphyra Chheav AU - Mary Sos AU - Chanry Im AU - Sotheary Meach AU - Kimrun Mao AU - Penh Sun Ly AU - Vohith Khol AU - Sovannarith Samreth AU - Bora Ngauv AU - Vichea Ouk AU - Sopheap Seng AU - F. Stephen Wignall Y1 - 2022/06/29 UR - http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/10/3/e2100412.abstract N2 - Key FindingsAll study participants opted for HIV self-testing (HIVST) over referrals to facility-based testing services, with the vast majority selecting assisted options and a preference for oral-fluid versus finger-prick-based HIV test kits.High rates of reactivity and subsequent links to HIV treatment among study participants—the majority of whom had no prior HIV testing history—suggest that HIVST is an empowering option for individuals who are at significant risk but are reticent to test due to perceived stigma or embarrassment.Key ImplicationsNational HIV program implementers should: Expand implementation of HIVST through peer-mediated and community outreach channels, consistent with new national HIVST guidelines adopted following completion of this study.Advocate for and promote differentiated HIVST access options, including options for HIVST online ordering and pharmacy distribution, to help overcome barriers to HIV testing during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and beyond.Background:HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization, but implementation remains limited. This cross-sectional study evaluated HIVST uptake among female entertainment workers (EWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to inform national implementation.Methods:Between December 2018 and September 2019, individuals reached through community outreach or via online advertising were offered HIVST or referrals to facility-based testing. Participants opting for HIVST could choose between test kits employing oral-fluid or finger-prick-based sample collection; and between an “assisted” option in which outreach staff offered instructions and assistance and an “unassisted” option in which participants received a kit with instructions for use. A structured questionnaire was administered to facilitate descriptive statistics and tests for associations between participant characteristics and HIV testing preferences and outcomes.Results:Among 1,241 eligible individuals; 1,210 (97.5%) provided responses for analysis. Of these, 1,203 (99.4%) were recruited through outreach; 7 (0.6%) through online advertising. Among those recruited by outreach, 1,186 (98.6%) opted for assisted HIVST, and 1,065 (88.5%) opted for oral-fluid versus finger-prick testing. All individuals recruited through online advertisements opted for unassisted oral-fluid testing. Among all participants, 455 (37.6%) were MSM, 325 (26.9%) were transgender women, 430 (35.5%) were female EWs, and overall, 71.7% reported never previously testing for HIV. A total of 84 participants (6.9%) received reactive screening results and 81 (97.5%) were linked to treatment.Conclusion:Uptake of HIVST was high, and most participants preferred oral-fluid over finger-prick-based testing. Many individuals (72%) who had never previously accessed HIV testing services participated in HIVST, with high rates of reactivity. ER -