HAUS Study - Phase II
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility and acceptability of home sampling kits to increase the uptake of HIV testing among black Africans in the United Kingdom: The Haus Study - Phase II
IRAS ID
184223
Contact name
Fiona Burns
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Joint Research Office (part of the Research Support Centre)
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
CRD42014010698, PROSPERO Registration
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 27 days
Research summary
Feasibility and acceptability of HIV self-sampling kits to increase HIV testing among Black Africans in the UK: The Haus Study
In the UK Black Africans account for almost one third of the 108,000 people estimated to have HIV. Unfortunately many are unaware that they are HIV positive and only come to medical attention with advanced disease. Reducing late presentation is an important way of decreasing the ill health and death associated with HIV. HIV testing opportunities for Black African people need to increase.
The HAUS study will test an intervention of targeted distribution of HIV self-sampling kits (SSK) during routine engagement with community services. In London, the kits will be distributed at GP clinics and by HIV community organisations, in Glasgow they will only be distributed via GP clinics. We aim to distribute 1580 HIV SSK: 1200 kits in London and 380 kits in Glasgow. Distributers will be trained on the delivery of the intervention and research governance. Participants will be given a plain language information sheet about the study and instruction on how to take and return the sample (including a link to an online video of someone completing the test). Samples will be processed by The Doctors Laboratory (TDL). Management of results will be provided by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust -TDL and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust as part of their existing clinical systems. Among those with reactive results, data confirming test result and linkage to services will be collected.
To determine whether distributing HIV SSK is a feasible and effective way to increase HIV testing in African communities, we need to know if the intervention can be delivered and evaluated successfully so detailed outcome and process monitoring will occur; this will include interviews with 30 of the study participants and all distributers.
The research is funded by the NIHR HTA (Project 12/138/02) and led by UCL.REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0412
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion