Home-based STI testing and risk assessment for adolescent girls in South Africa
Feasibility pilot of home-based STI testing and risk self-assessment among adolescent girls in South Africa to trigger PrEP re-start
This study is looking at whether giving home testing kits for STIs to teenage girls in South Africa can help them take control of their sexual health and get more involved in programs that prevent HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Parktown, South Africa) |
| Project ID | NIH-10678858 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the feasibility of providing home-based testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to adolescent girls in South Africa. The approach includes training these young women to self-administer tests for STIs like Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhea, alongside assessing their perceived risk of HIV. By empowering adolescents to take charge of their sexual health, the study aims to improve their engagement with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs. The research will utilize both in-person and virtual training methods to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescent girls aged 12 to 20 years living in South Africa who are at risk of HIV and STIs.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 years or those not at risk for HIV or STIs may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the uptake and persistence of PrEP among adolescent girls, ultimately reducing their risk of HIV and STIs.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with home-based STI testing and self-assessment approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Parktown, South Africa
- Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD — Parktown, South Africa (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palanee, Thesla — Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD
- Study coordinator: Palanee, Thesla
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.