Acceptability Research on Integrated Point of Care Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing and Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

This protocol builds on nearly a decade of collaborative HIV/STI prevention research to conduct a prospective cohort study of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) eligible for PrEP in South Africa in which we will assess the acceptability of point-of-care STI testing plus Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) and its impact on the incidence of common curable STIs over 12 months of follow-up. The social-behavioral scientist will undertake qualitative interviews with participants and their male partners to identify facilitators and barriers to EPT uptake and conduct a comparative cost analysis to estimate the cost per person tested using point-of-care STI testing with and without EPT incremental to the cost of standard of care. Findings from the proposed research will provide essential knowledge for national policymakers to advance approaches to STI screening and treatment that will lead to improvements in AGYW sexual reproductive health and reductions in STIs. The data generated from this project are essential to inform efforts to reduce the burden of STIs and HIV-1 in women and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which includes substantial reductions in HIIV and STIs in key at-risk populations. This project will support global efforts to substantially reduce STIs in key populations.

The study aims to estimate the incidence of STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis vaginalis) among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) initiating PrEP who received point-of-care STI testing plus Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) and those who received point-of-care STI testing but declined EPT. To assess the acceptability of point-to-care STI testing plus EPT for AGYW initiating oral PrEP and its impact on exposure to social harms. To assess the male partner's response and acceptability among those who received EPT. Estimate the cost of implementing rapid point-of-care diagnostic STI testing and EPT for AGYW in South Africa using PrEP compared to standard syndromic management. The study design aims to conduct a prospective cohort study among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and assess the incidence of select STIs detected by point-of-care testing, including C.trachomatis, N. gonorrhea, or T. vaginalis, over 12 months of follow-up. Moreover, to assess the acceptability of expedited partner treatment offered to AGYW with an STI and their partners who received EPT. To conduct a comparative cost analysis to estimate the cost per person tested using point-of-care STI testing with and without EPT incremental to the standard cost.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Cisgender girls and women (16-25 years of age, inclusive)
2. Vaginal sex with a cisgender male partner in the last three months
3. CT, GC, or TV detected at screening
4. Willing to return for quarterly study visits
5. Not currently pregnant and not planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months
6. Using or willing to initiate a highly effective method of contraception\*
7. HIV-uninfected
8. Interested in initiating oral PrEP
9. No known contraindications to FTC or TDF

Exclusion Criteria:

1. At Screening or Enrollment, participant reports known adverse reaction to FTC or TDF.
2. At Screening or Enrollment, has single or dual rapid Antibody positive reactive HIV-1 test.
3. At Screening or Enrollment, is already participating in another research study involving drugs, medical devices, or vaccines for STI prevention or treatment.
4. As determined by the PIs/designee, any current or historical physical health, mental health or social issue or condition that the site investigator or designee determines should exclude participation.
5. Has any other condition that, in the opinion of the PIs/designee, would preclude informed consent, make study participation unsafe, or otherwise interfere with achieving the study objectives.