Sustaining Innovative Tools to Expand Youth-Friendly HIV Self-Testing in Nigerian Adolescents and Young Adults with Enhanced Sustainability Strategies

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating strategies to sustain and expand HIV self-testing and youth-friendly prevention services among adolescents and young adults (ages 14-24) at risk for HIV in Nigeria. This study builds on previous efforts and uses participatory methods like crowdsourcing and designathons to develop sustainability plans for community-based organizations (CBOs). The goal is to improve uptake and continuation of HIV prevention services including HIV testing, STI screening, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) over 24 months. The study compares two approaches: standard 4YBY implementation delivered by CBOs, which includes providing HIV self-testing kits, STI screening navigation, trained community health workers, and peer support; and an enhanced sustainability strategy that adds formal sustainability plans, sustainability teams, bi-weekly learning collaboratives, monitoring adaptations, and access to coaches for support. Forty community sites and CBOs are randomized to receive either the standard or enhanced approach, with both groups receiving core 4YBY activities. Participants aged 14-24 are recruited through social media, events, and community referrals and complete baseline and follow-up surveys every six months for 24 months. Data collection includes tracking intervention implementation, participant engagement, and sustainment of the program’s core elements. Researchers measure the percentage of sustained activities, benefits, and capacity related to 4YBY over time, alongside qualitative interviews and assessments of youth and community health worker characteristics.

Sustaining Innovative Tools to Expand Youth-Friendly HIV Self-Testing