Enhancing HIV Self-Testing Among Nigerian Youth: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the 4 Youth by Youth Study Using Crowdsourced Youth-Led Strategies.

Although HIV self-testing (HIVST) has expanded in many regions, a few HIVST services have been tailored for and organized by youth. Innovative HIVST models are needed to differentiate testing services and generate local demand for HIVST among youth. The current pilot study aimed at examining the feasibility and efficacy of crowdsourced youth-led strategies to enhance HIVST as well as sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Teams of youth iteratively developed HIVST interventions using crowdsourcing approaches and apprenticeship training. Five interventions were selected and then evaluated among youth (ages 14-24) from September 2019 to March 2020. Given the similar outcomes and approaches, we present cumulative data from the completed interventions. We assessed HIVST uptake (self-report), STI uptake (facility reports for gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, and chlamydia testing), and quality of youth participation. Mixed-effect logistic regression models estimated intervention effects at baseline and 6 months. Of the 388 youths enrolled, 25.3% were aged 14-19, 58.0% were male, and 54.1% had completed secondary education. We observed a significant increase in HIVST from 3 months compared with 6 months (20% vs. 90%; p < 0.001). Among those who received an HIVST at 3 months, 324 out of 388 were re-tested at 6 months. We also observed significant increases in testing for all four STIs: syphilis (5-48%), gonorrhea (5-43%), chlamydia (1-45%), and hepatitis B testing (14-55%) from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Youth participation in the intervention was robust. Youth-led HIVST intervention approaches were feasible and resulted in increased HIV/STI test uptake. Further research on the effectiveness of these HIVST services is needed

Research methodological issues in projecting China's feedgrains demand and supply

It is increasingly recognised that any increase in future grain demand in China will be mainly that for feedgrains. Consequently, there has been increased research into China's feedgrain demand and supply. However, past studies have generated vastly discrepant projections for China's feedgrains demand and supply. Some of the projections have been proven to have deviated significantly from the true picture. Given that such projections are meant to guide future policy initiatives and market activities. their accuracy is important. Thus. it is imperative to rectify the causes responsible for such discrepancies and deviations in projections. This paper examines such causes. It also identifies factors that may affect future projections for China's feedgrains demand and supply. Finally, the paper proposes a research agenda, pointing out areas that require particular research efforts

The 4 Youth by Youth (4YBY) pragmatic trial to enhance HIV self-testing uptake and sustainability: Study protocol in Nigeria

Background: The World Health Organization recommends HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an additional approach to HIV testing and the Nigerian government is supportive of this policy recommendation. However, effectively increasing uptake and sustainability among Nigerian youth is unknown. The goal of this study is to conduct a full-powered type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to test the effectiveness of youth-friendly implementation science strategies in increasing uptake and sustainability of HIVST led by and for Nigerian youth. Methods: Our 4 Youth by Youth (4YBY) strategy combines four core elements: 1) HIVST bundle consisting of HIVST kits and photo verification system; 2) a participatory learning community; 3) peer to peer support and technical assistance; and 4) on-site supervision and performance feedback to improve uptake and sustainability of HIVST and enhance linkage to youth-friendly health clinics for confirmatory HIV testing where needed, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing (i.e. syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis, STI treatment, and PrEP referral. Utilizing a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized controlled trial, a national cohort of youth aged 14–24 recruited from 32 local government areas across 14 states and four geo-political zones in Nigeria will receive the 4YBY implementation strategy. In addition, an economic evaluation will explore the incremental cost per quality adjusted life year gained. Discussion: This study will add to the limited “how-to-do it literature” on implementation science strategies in a resource-limited setting targeting youth population traditionally underrepresented in implementation science literature. Study findings will also optimize uptake and sustainability of HIVST led by and for young people themselves. Trial registration: This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04710784 (on January 15, 2021)