Distribution Of HIV Self-Tests By Mail May Help Reduce Barriers To Testing, Expand Access To Equitable Care, Research Finds

Infectious Disease Advisor (7/23, Basilio) reports research found “the distribution of HIV self-tests by mail at no cost...may be an effective strategy for reducing barriers to testing and expanding access to equitable care among populations disproportionately affected by HIV.” Among “7893 patients with no prior HIV diagnosis who used the test, 151 (1.9%) reported a positive test result.” Researchers found “transgender women represented the highest percentage of these persons (3.6%), followed by Black and Hispanic” men who have sex with men (2.9%). Meanwhile, “Black cisgender women represented the lowest percentage (0.8%).” The findings were published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.