Acceptability and Feasibility of Home-Based Self-Testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV Infections in the General Population in France in 2016: The BaroTest Study

Despite widespread screening for HIV and hepatitis B and C in France, many people remain undiagnosed. Santé publique France conducted a pilot study on screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV infections in the general population using blood samples collected on filter paper. Participants were recruited between January 8 and August 1, 2016, as part of the Santé publique France Health Barometer survey, after which they were offered a home self-collection kit. The kit was accepted by 73.4% of participants and returned by one in two, resulting in an overall participation rate of 37.0%. These rates were identical among men and women, but the factors associated with kit acceptance and sample return differed. Nearly 99% of the blotting papers received could be tested for the three infections. These results demonstrate the good feasibility and acceptability of at-home screening for HIV and hepatitis B and C using a self-collection kit with blotting paper, which appears to be an attractive alternative to existing options that are not equally accessible across the country.

Author(s): Rahib Delphine, Larsen Christine, Gautier Arnaud, Saboni Leïla, Brouard Cécile, Chevaliez Stéphane, Barin Francis, Lot Florence, Lydié Nathalie

Publishing year: 2019

Pages: 478-490

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2019, n° 24-25, p. 478-490

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