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HIVNCT04328025

Peer-Delivered HIV Self-Testing, STI Self-Sampling and PrEP for Transgender Women in Uganda

A study testing Peer-delivered HIV self-testing, STI self-sampling and PrEP in people with HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections, run by Makerere University at 1 site in Uganda.

Unknown status

Status not confirmed. The sponsor has not verified this record for over two years, so it may be out of date.

Official record
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Trial summary

Transgender women (TGW) are at high risk for HIV infection, and are an important, under-researched population in sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, HIV acquisition risk among TGW is 13 times higher than other adults aged 15-49 years. In Uganda, HIV prevalence among TGW is 22% compared to 5.9% in the general population. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 14 years and older, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, PrEP
What is being tested?
Peer-delivered HIV self-testing, STI self-sampling and PrEP
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
82 participants
Where
1 siteUganda
Study dates
26 Oct 2020to Jun 2022
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 14 years and older
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Report male sex assigned at birth
  • Age ≥18
  • If 14-17 years, qualification as a mature or emancipated minor due to having a sexually transmitted infection or cater for own livelihood
  • Report condom-less anal intercourse in the past 6 months
  • Able and willing to provide written informed consent
  • Possess a valid recruitment coupon
Show all 9Show fewer
  • HIV-uninfected based on negative HIV rapid tests at the enrollment visit
  • Adequate renal function, defined by normal creatinine levels and estimated creatinine clearance ≥60 mL/min
  • Not infected with hepatitis B virus, as determined by a negative hepatitis B surface antigen test

Who cannot join

  • Currently enrolled in a biomedical HIV prevention study
  • Any clinically significant or chronic medical condition that is considered progressive or in the opinion of the investigator would make the participant unsuitable for the study, including severe infections requiring treatment such as tuberculosis, alcohol or drug abuse, or mental illness which precludes provision of informed consent
  • Not planning to remain in the geographic area for the duration of the study

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Uganda1 site
  • Infectious Diseases Institute Kasangati

    Kampala

Other trials in Uganda

About this study

Transgender women (TGW) are at high risk for HIV infection, and are an important, under-researched population in sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, HIV acquisition risk among TGW is 13 times higher than other adults aged 15-49 years. In Uganda, HIV prevalence among TGW is 22% compared to 5.9% in the general population. Encouraging use of self-controlled HIV prevention tools - specifically, HIV self-testing (HIVST), STI self-sampling (STISS) and antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) - to those testing HIV negative could decrease HIV incidence among African TGW. This R34 application proposes formative research and a pilot trial to develop an HIV prevention intervention for African transgender women (TGW). The investigators will evaluate whether peer-delivered combination HIV prevention increases testing uptake and empowers effective prevention decision making in TGW. Peer-led interventions are effective in increasing HIV and STI testing among other hard-to-reach vulnerable populations with high HIV prevalence but low testing coverage and are recommended by the World Health Organization. Exploring peer-delivery approaches to increase coverage of combination HIV prevention interventions is key to addressing research gaps in HIV epidemic control. However, little is known about the effectiveness of peer-delivered combination HIV prevention (HIVST, STISS and PrEP) for African TGW, or the best way to deliver care to this population. Key knowledge gaps include: 1) whether peer delivery increases testing rates and status knowledge, 2) the role of peers in creating demand for repeat testing and PrEP, and 3) how to optimize peer delivery of combination HIV prevention (HIVST, STISS and PrEP). To address these questions, this proposal seeks to conduct formative research to inform implementation of peer-delivered combination HIV prevention for African TGW (Aim 1), implement a pilot cluster randomized trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of peer delivered combination HIV prevention (Aim 2), and conduct in-depth interviews to explore how peer-delivery of HIVST, STISS and PrEP influences prevention choices among TGW and sexual partners (Aim 3). This will be the first clinical trial, to our knowledge, to evaluate HIV self-testing and STI self-sampling in HIV-uninfected TGW. Pilot data from TGW and their partners will provide unique perspectives to inform HIV prevention delivery. The proposed proof-of-concept evaluation is uniquely positioned to improve prevention uptake for African TGW - a high-risk, marginalized, and underserved population. Rigorous application of mixed methodologies will generate actionable data for policy and programs, and provide a strong foundation for scalable implementation of cutting edge combination HIV prevention interventions for African TGW. The local transgender community is involved in study design, planning and implementation. This project is supported by the Ugandan Ministry of Health.

Read the detailed description

Transgender women (TGW) are at high risk for HIV infection, and are an important, under-researched population in sub-Saharan Africa. Globally, HIV acquisition risk among TGW is 13 times higher than other adults aged 15-49 years. In Uganda, HIV prevalence among TGW is 22% compared to 5.9% in the general population. Encouraging use of self-controlled HIV prevention tools - specifically, HIV self-testing (HIVST), STI self-sampling (STISS) and antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) - among those testing HIV negative could decrease HIV incidence among African TGW and secondary transmission to their sexual partners. This study comprises formative research and a pilot trial to develop an HIV prevention intervention for African TGW. The investigators will evaluate whether peer-delivered combination HIV prevention increases testing uptake and empowers effective prevention decision making in TGW. Peer-led interventions are effective in increasing HIV and STI testing among other hard-to-reach vulnerable populations with high HIV prevalence but low testing coverage and are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Exploring peer-delivery approaches to increase coverage of combination HIV prevention interventions is key to addressing research gaps in HIV epidemic control. However, little is known about the effectiveness of peer-delivered combination HIV prevention (HIVST, STISS and PrEP) for African TGW, or the best way to deliver care to this population. Key knowledge gaps include: 1) whether peer delivery increases testing rates and status knowledge, 2) the role of peers in creating demand for repeat testing and PrEP, and 3) how to optimize peer delivery of combination HIV prevention (HIVST, STISS and PrEP).

To address these questions, this protocol describes formative research to inform implementation of peer-delivered combination HIV prevention for African TGW, followed by implementation of a pilot cluster randomized trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of peer delivered combination HIV prevention, and in-depth interviews to explore how peer-delivery of HIVST, STISS and PrEP influences prevention choices among TGW and sexual partners. This will be the first clinical trial, to our knowledge, to evaluate HIV self-testing and STI self-sampling in HIV-uninfected TGW.

Aim 1: Conduct formative research to inform implementation of peer-delivered combination HIV prevention for African TGW.

Approach: Using the Social Ecological framework, the investigators will conduct in-depth interviews with TG peers, healthcare providers, civil society members, and Ministry of Health officials to: a) explore barriers and likely facilitators of HIVST, STISS and PrEP; and b) assess feasibility of respondent-driven sampling (RDS), the recruitment strategy for Aim 2.

Hypothesis: Respondents will provide insights into the feasibility and acceptability of peer-delivered HIVST, STISS and PrEP, and RDS recruitment.

Aim 2: Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of peer-delivered combination HIV prevention (HIVST, STISS and PrEP) for African TGW by implementing a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial.

Approach: To pilot-test the effectiveness of this peer-delivered combination HIV prevention intervention, 10 TGW peer groups (1 peer and 8 participants) will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either monthly peer delivery of HIVST, STISS and PrEP (intervention arm) or quarterly in-clinic HIV testing and PrEP prescription (control arm). All will enroll at clinic and initiate PrEP. In between quarterly clinic visits, trained peers will: a) deliver additional HIVST kits and PrEP refills; b) distribute STI self-sampling kits to TGW for own use and with regular partners; and c) use smart phone instructional videos showing TGW how to self-collect pharyngeal, rectal \& urine specimens. The investigators will provide: i) free testing and treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis; and ii) peer-assisted partner notification services. Primary outcomes are intervention feasibility, acceptability \& PrEP adherence.

Hypothesis: Peer delivery will be feasible and acceptable, with higher uptake of testing and PrEP compared with control arm.

Aim 3: Explore how peer-delivery of HIVST, STISS and PrEP influences prevention choices among TGW and sexual partners.

Approach: To clarify the process through which peer-delivery may influence prevention choices, the investigators will conduct in-depth interviews with participants and their partners to assess perceptions and experiences with peer-delivered HIV/STI services, status disclosure, partner notification, behavior change and PrEP use.

Hypothesis: Peer-delivered combination HIV prevention will empower TGW to engage in prevention services, facilitate partner testing and efficiently identify persons with undiagnosed HIV and/or STIs.

Being tested
Peer-delivered HIV self-testing, STI self-sampling and PrEP
Medical subject headings
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Peer-delivered HIV self-testing, STI self-sampling and PrEPOther

    Peer delivery of combination HIV prevention interventions to transgender women.

Study groups in NCT04328025
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Peer-Delivered HIV Self-Testing, STI Self-Sampling and PrEPActive comparatorFor TGW in the intervention arm, peers will deliver HIVST and PrEP medications monthly in between quarterly clinic visits. Quarterly clinic-based testing will confirm accuracy of self-tests and identify inaccurate test results. Additionally, peers will remind TGW to self-test before opening a new PrEP bottle. They will also distribute STI self-sampling kits to TGW for own use, and with regular partners as needed. They will present smart phone instructional videos showing trans women how to self-collect pharyngeal, rectal and urine specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis testing. Peers will: a) motivate ongoing adherence; b) promote repeat HIV testing; and c) support PrEP use as problems arise. Self-sampling for STIs will be performed monthly by participants (with questions answered by the peer or other study staff as needed).
Receives: Other: Peer-delivered HIV self-testing, STI self-sampling and PrEP
Facility-Delivered CareNo interventionParticipants will receive facility-based HIV counseling, PrEP prescriptions condoms, risk reduction counseling, and management of sexually transmitted infections as standard of care.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Feasibility of peer-delivered prevention as measured by number of HIV and STI self-test kits delivered to intervention arm participants

    Proportion of kits successfully delivered

    Measured: 12 months

  2. Acceptability of peer-delivered prevention as measured by 5-point Likert scales and qualitative interviews

    Proportion of intervention arm participants using HIV/STI self-test kits

    Measured: 12 months

  3. PrEP effectiveness as measured by intracellular tenofovir diphosphate levels in dried blood spots

    Comparison of PrEP effectiveness by randomization arm

    Measured: 12 months

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Sexual risk behavior as measured by frequency of self-reported unprotected sex

    Comparison of unprotected sexual frequency by randomization arm

    Measured: 12 months

  2. STI incidence as measured by GeneXpert Chlamydia and Gonorrhoeae PRC testing

    Comparison of STI incidence by randomization arm

    Measured: 12 months

  3. PrEP initiation as measured by pharmacy records

    Proportion of participants initiating PrEP

    Measured: 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted31 Mar 2020
  2. Study start26 Oct 2020
  3. Primary completionDec 2021 (estimated)
  4. Study completionJun 2022 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomization in a 1:1 ratio to either monthly peer delivery of HIV self-testing, STI self-sampling and PrEP (intervention arm) or quarterly in-clinic HIV testing and PrEP prescription (control arm)
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
82 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04328025
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC REF 0304-2019
Status last verified
Apr 2021
First submitted
20 Mar 2020
Last updated
3 May 2021
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Mujugira A, Karungi B, Nakyanzi A, Bagaya M, Nsubuga R, Sebuliba T, Nampewo O, Naddunga F, Birungi JE, Sapiri O, Nyanzi KR, Bambia F, Muwonge T, Gandhi M, Haberer JE. Peer-Delivered HIV Self-Testing, Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-Sampling, and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Transgender Women in Uganda: A Randomized Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2024 Oct 1;97(2):125-132. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003471.

    PubMed 39250646
  • Mujugira A, Nakyanzi A, Nabaggala MS, Muwonge TR, Ssebuliba T, Bagaya M, Nampewo O, Sapiri O, Nyanzi KR, Bambia F, Nsubuga R, Serwadda DM, Ware NC, Baeten JM, Haberer JE. Effect of HIV Self-Testing on PrEP Adherence Among Gender-Diverse Sex Workers in Uganda: A Randomized Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2022 Apr 1;89(4):381-389. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000002895.

    PubMed 34954718

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Peer-delivered HIV self-testing, STI self-sampling and PrEP in people with HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections, run by Makerere University at 1 site in Uganda.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 May 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Uganda. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Feasibility of peer-delivered prevention as measured by number of HIV and STI self-test kits delivered to intervention arm participants (time frame: 12 months). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04328025, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 May 2021.

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