Efficacy of internet recruitment and HIV Self-Testing for diagnosing HIV infections among Black and Hispanic/Latino MSM and transgender women in 11 US States, 2020-2021.

Introduction: We evaluated internet platforms for distributing HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) to Black or African American (Black) and Hispanic or Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). Methods: We recruited MSM and TGW from general interest, dating, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender platforms. Two HIVSTs were mailed to all MSM and TGW. Surveys (screening, baseline, 4-month, and results reporting) were completed online. After 4 months, participants were mailed another HIVST and a DBS card. All HIVST interpretations and images of HIVST devices were reported online. Results: Of 2093 MSM and 102 TGW, most were recruited via general interest and dating platforms. Over 50% were 18–29 years of age, most identified as gay or bisexual. 45% had not tested for HIV in the past 12 months. 9.1% of MSM reported a positive (reactive for HIV antibodies) result, with the highest percentage among Black MSM (11.5%). Dating platforms recruited higher percentages of MSM who recorded their HIVST result as positive compared with MSM from general interest platforms during the intervention period (11.9% vs 5.5% (p <0.0001)); and MSM who had never tested for HIV reported a greater percentage of positive results compared with MSM who had been tested for HIV before enrollment (16.1% vs. 7.1%; P< 0.0001). MSM were able to correctly interpret and report HIVST results. Of TGW, 7% reported a positive result. Conclusion: Internet dating and general interest platforms can be key to increasing awareness of infection among BMSM, HMSM and TGW persons, including those who do not use existing HIV services.