GET IT WET: ORAL HIV SELF-TESTING

Region

National

A REACH Funded Initiative

Initiative Leads

CRBC

Principal co-investigators: Nathan Lachowsky, Jody Jollimore, Chris Draenos

Primary target audience

Gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit and queer men

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Primary target audience

Gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit and queer men

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Initiative Summary

There is a new rapid HIV test coming to Canada where you swab your gums. This oral HIV test is not yet available in Canada, except as part of research studies like this one. We want to know what GBT2Q men and non-binary people think about this test. The Get it Wet study will be done in combination with the upcoming in-person Sex Now 2022 study at 2SLGBTQ+ Pride festivals and events.

Initiative Objectives and Goals

The primary goal of this study is to examine update, acceptability, and feasibility of oral HIV self-testing distributed at 2SLGBTQ+ Pride events across Canada.

The Role of this Initiative to End the HIV Epidemic

Gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit and queer men and non-binary people are over-represented amongst people living with HIV and in new HIV infections across Canada. Testing initiatives that target and support this population will aid in ending the transmission of HIV.

Meaningful Engagement with People with Lived Experience

Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) promotes the health of gay men through research and intervention development. We are inclusive of bisexual and queer men (cis and trans) and Two-Spirit people. CBRC's core pillars—community-led research, knowledge exchange, network building, and leadership development—position the organization as a thought leader, transforming ideas into actions that make a difference in our communities.

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Strategic marketing and support tactics

Website, Social networks, Email campaign, online paid advertising

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Results

As this initiative will be launched in 2021, results will be made available at a later date.

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