title: Modelling the potential population impact and cost-effectiveness of self-testing for HIV: evaluation of data requirements.
abstract: HIV testing uptake has increased dramatically in recent years in resource limited settings. Nevertheless, over 50% of the people living with HIV are still unaware of their status. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a potential new approach to facilitate further uptake of testing which requires consideration, taking into account economic factors. Mathematical models and associated economic analysis can provide useful assistance in decision-making processes, offering insight, in this case, into the potential long-term impact at a population level and the price-point at which free or subsidized HIVST would be cost-effective in a given setting. However, models are based on assumptions, and if the required data are sparse or limited, this uncertainty will be reflected in the results from mathematical models. The aim of this paper is to describe the issues encountered in modeling the cost-effectiveness of introducing HIVST, to indicate the evidence needed to support various modeling assumptions, and thus which data on HIVST would be most beneficial to collect.
authors: Research Department of Infection & Population Health, UCL, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK, v.cambiano@ucl.ac.uk.
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Cambiano
authors: Sue Napierala
authors: SN
authors: Mavedzenge
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Phillips
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D003657:Decision Making; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012648:Self Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012725:Sexual Behavior