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

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.