The Practice and Potential Role of HIV Self-testing in China: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization as a valid approach to routine HIV testing services. The scale of HIVST use has gradually been expanded in China over the past 5 years. To take a closer look at the role of HIVST in China, we reviewed the promotion and application of HIVST within China. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to systematically analyze the proportion of past use and actual uptake of HIVST within China. Moreover, we aimed to quantify the effect of HIVST on HIV prevention and treatment. METHODS: In all, 5 medical databases and 2 registration systems, including PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, WanFang, China National Knowledge Internet, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of HIVST use from January 1, 2010, to December 25, 2021. Meta-analyses of the pooled proportion estimates were carried out by the meta-package in R software (version 4.1.2). Statistical heterogeneity among the studies was estimated using Cochran Q test and the inconsistency index (I(2)). RESULTS: A total of 50 studies were included in our systematic review. The estimated pooled prevalence of HIVST use in China was 29.9% (95% CI 22.5%-37.9%). Among individuals who have ever used HIVST, 47.5% (95% CI 37.2%-57.8%) were tested for HIV for the first time. The pooled reactive rate of HIVST was 4.2% (95% CI 3.1%-5.8%). When HIVST revealed a reactive result, 81.3% (95% CI 70.9%-91.6%) of individuals sought medical care. CONCLUSIONS: In recent times, HIVST has become a valuable tool for HIV prevention in China. The widespread use of HIVST in non–men who have sex with men populations needs to be endorsed and promoted. The long-term applications of HIVST and the potential consequences of self-financing of HIVST in China have yet to be explored. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022304846; https://tinyurl.com/54d9pxy8