HIV self-testing program for young sexual minority men in Ghana

Adaptation and Feasibility of Many Men Many Voices (3MV), an HIV Prevention Intervention to Reduce Intersectional Stigma and Increase HIVST Among YSMM Residing in Ghanaian Slums - A Clustered Pre-post Pilot Trial Protocol

This study is testing a new program to help young sexual minority men in Ghana get tested for HIV more easily and confidently.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 25 Years
• Sex: Male
• Sponsor: University of Rochester (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Accra)
• Trial ID: NCT06238323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve HIV testing rates among young sexual minority men (YSMM) in Ghana by adapting the Many Men Many Voices (3MV) program into a modified version called LAFIYA. The intervention addresses barriers such as stigma, low-risk perception, and confidentiality concerns that hinder testing. Participants will include YSMM aged 18 to 25 who have not used unassisted HIV self-testing kits and providers with experience in sexual health services. The study will take place in slum communities within the Greater Accra Metropolitan area.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young sexual minority men aged 18 to 25 who have not tested for HIV and reside in slum communities in the Greater Accra Metropolitan area.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 18 to 25, have prior experience with unassisted HIV self-testing kits, or know their HIV status will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase HIV testing rates and improve early detection and prevention among young sexual minority men.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using community-based interventions to improve HIV testing rates among marginalized populations, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* YSMM: To be eligible to participate in the interview, the person must be between 18 to 25 years old, have no experience using unassisted HIVST kits, do not know their HIV status or tested negative, currently identifies as cis-gender man, and have had sex with another man within six months before engaging with the recruitment team and must reside within a slum community in the Greater Accra Metropolitan area.
* Providers: To be eligible to participate in the interview, the person must have experience providing sexual health services such as HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to prevention and care services for at least one year. Must reside within the Greater Accra Metropolitan area and have worked with YSMM on HIV prevention and care.

Exclusion Criteria:

* YSMM: Those who fall under 18 years or above 25 years will be excluded from the study. YSMM who have experience with unassisted HIVST kits, know their HIV status, or tested positive for HIV will be excluded from the study. YSMM who do not identify as cis-gender man and have not had sex with another man within six months before engaging with the recruitment team will be excluded from the study. YSMM who do not reside within a slum community in the Greater Accra Metropolitan area will be excluded from the study.
* Providers: Persons who do not have experience providing services such as HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to prevention and care services for at least one year will be excluded from the study. Providers not residing within the Greater Accra Metropolitan area and have not worked with YSMM on HIV prevention and care will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Accra

• University of Ghana — Accra, Ghana (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Gamji R Abu-Ba'are, PhD

Conditions: HIV Prevention and Care