Study to look at risks and benefits of HIV home testing

HIV researchers at the Kirby Institute and the University of NSW continue to investigate ways to increase testing and early treatment with a new study looking at home testing.

The study, Forth, is being run in conjunction with sexual health centres and HIV organisations in Melbourne and Sydney.

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Director and Forth researcher Christopher Fairley told the Star Observer the study is part of a broad push in HIV prevention, an approach that came from recognising HIV was more likely to be transmitted by people unaware of their status.

“The sooner we can find people after they’ve been infected with HIV and put them on treatment… the more likely we are to be able to control HIV. We have to go about making testing as easy as possible,” Fairley said.

The trial will not only look at changes in testing behaviour, but also potential harms such as reduced condom use coming out of home testing.

Participants will receive substantial education prior to the trial, and have access to a 24-hour support line.

DETAILS: www.forth.org.au