Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) participatory approaches for HIV control have increased across LMICs, but there are few trials to evaluate effectiveness. We assessed a crowdsourced HIV self-testing (HIVST) intervention among a cohort of AYA in Nigeria.
Methods: We conducted a pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster randomized control trial recruiting participants (aged 14-24 years) from 32 local government areas across four geo-political zones in Nigeria. Eligible AYA were HIV negative or unknown HIV status, residing in study sites, spoke English, and consented. Areas were randomly assigned to one of four steps and AYA were followed for 24 months. AYA research facilitators implemented a 4YBY crowdsourced HIV prevention bundle. The primary outcome was self-reported HIVST uptake. We compared the probability of HIVST between the control and intervention periods using a generalized linear mixed model. We examined the fixed cost and per capita cost of the intervention. The protocol was registered with Clinical Trials.gov on January 15, 2021, under registration NCT04710784.
Results: 2652 AYA were screened, and 1500 were enrolled in the study (March 10, 2021- August 31, 2023). 1333/1500 (89 %) were followed up at 24 months. The mean age of AYA was 20 ± 2.65 years old, most were students (1155/1500, 77 %), and unemployed (915/1500, 61 %). The intervention led to a 9.96-fold increase in HIV self-testing uptake compared to the control period (95 % CI: 8.36-11.85, p < 0.0001). The annual fixed cost of the intervention was estimated at US$42,237, with a per capita testing cost of US$14.8. No significant adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: A crowdsourced HIV prevention intervention increased HIVST uptake among Nigerian AYA. Greater participation of AYA in the design and implementation of clinical trials is needed to achieve UNAIDS targets.
Keywords: Adolescents and young adults; Crowdsourced intervention; HIV self-testing; Implementation science; Nigeria; Stepped-wedge trial.