HOme-based SElf-testiNG - a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Lesotho (HOSENG) (HOSENG)
HIV, HIV/AIDS
About this trial
This is an interventional diagnostic trial for HIV focused on measuring HIV, HIV/AIDS, self-testing, HIVST, home-based, community-based, lesotho, oraquick, testing coverage, htc campaign
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility - clusters
Inclusion criteria:
- the cluster is rural and clearly confined to the catchment area of one of the study clinics i. one cluster usually consists of one village, but could include several small villages serviced by the same VHW
- the cluster has at least one registered VHW who is willing to participate and fulfills the following criteria: i. is at least 18 years of age ii. has adequate reading and writing skills iii. successfully passes the training assessment, assessed by a local person independent to GET ON research project and GET ON research team. Two criteria have to be fulfilled: a. is able to fill in the assessment (tick boxes, write in correct fields) b. is able to give an adequate answer regarding open question (in order to see if VHW is able to read and write and has a basic logic thinking)
Exclusion criteria:
- village authority (=village chief) opposed to trial participation (verbal assent)
- VHW opposed to trial participation or not fulfilling the minimum requirements mentioned above (=inclusion criteria, point b) i. Note: if a cluster entails several VHWs, then the cluster can still participate if there is at least one VHW in the cluster who is willing to trial participation and fulfills the minimum requirements.
Eligibility - household
Inclusion criteria:
a) signed informed consent form from household head or representative aged 18 years or older
Exclusion criteria:
a) no signed informed consent form from household head or representative
Sites / Locations
- District of Butha-Buthe
- District of Mokhotlong
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
No Intervention
Experimental
HOSENG Control
HOSENG Intervention
Standard of care during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign: For present household members: blood-based HIV testing For absent household members or household members who refuse testing: They are encouraged to get tested by the Village Health Worker (VHW) or the nearby health facility
HOSENG Intervention during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign: For present household members: blood-based HIV testing a) If any absent person in the household: One of the present household members is tested and trained using the oral HIVST (OraQuick©) For absent household members or household members who refuse testing: One oral HIVST (OraQuick©) is left behind and has to be brought back to the VHW after usage. Otherwise it will be collected by the VHW after two weeks.