Service delivery of at-home STI testing using self-collected samples: a qualitative investigation of values and preferences among adults in Rakai, Uganda.

Background Studies have shown that clients accept the self-collection of samples for sexually transmitted infection testing (SCS/STI testing), and at-home service delivery is a promising approach to expand diagnosis. However, few studies have examined client values surrounding service delivery in low-resource settings. This formative research study explores clients' service delivery values and preferences for at-home SCS/STI testing in rural Uganda.

Identifying longitudinal patterns of HIV treatment (dis)engagement and re-engagement from oral histories of virologically unsuppressed persons in Uganda: A thematic trajectory analysis.

Background: There is limited study of persons deemed "harder to reach" by HIV treatment services, including those discontinuing or never initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted narrative research in southern Uganda with virologically unsuppressed persons identified through population-based sampling to discern longitudinal patterns in HIV service engagement and identify factors shaping treatment persistence.

Methods: In mid-2022, we sampled adult participants with high-level HIV viremia (≥1000 RNA copies/mL) from the prospective, population-based Rakai Community Cohort Study.

Self-collected samples as an additional option for STI testing in low-resource settings: a qualitative study of acceptability among adults in Rakai, Uganda.

Introduction: Self-collected samples (SCS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in high-resource settings. However, few studies have assessed the acceptability of SCS for STI testing in a general population in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability of SCS among adults in south-central Uganda.

High Acceptability and Perceived Feasibility of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Treatment Among People Living with HIV Who Are Viremic and Health Workers in Uganda.

Long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatment (LAI ART), such as a bimonthly injection of cabotegravir/rilpivirine, is a promising HIV treatment option. LAI ART may particularly benefit people who are reluctant to initiate or are poorly adherent to daily oral pills and not virally suppressed. However, the acceptability and feasibility of LAI ART among individuals with viremia in Africa has not been well studied.

The Acceptability of Self-Collected Samples for STI Testing: A Qualitative Study Among Adults in Rakai, Uganda.

Introduction: Self-collected samples (SCS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in high-resource settings. However, few studies have assessed the acceptability of SCS for STI testing in a general population in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability of SCS among adults in south-central Uganda.

Capacity to Consent to Research Among Adolescent-Parent Dyads in Rakai, Uganda.

Objectives: To assess the cognitive capacity of early, middle, and late adolescents and their parents or guardians to provide informed consent to a population-based cohort study.

Study Design: Adolescent-parent/guardian dyads including 40 early (n = 80; 10-14 years), 20 middle (15-17 years), and 20 late (18-19 years) adolescents were recruited from the Rakai Community Cohort Study, an open demographic cohort in Uganda. Participants were administered the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research, a structured open-ended assessment; interviews were recorded and transcribed.