Prevalence of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Migrant Communities in Slovakia

NCT07236268 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2023/1338156-0
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 660
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Before project launch, key materials were prepared, including informed consents, posters, informational leaflets, patient cards, social media posts, standard operating procedures, patient management plans and patient registries. Necessary medical supplies (rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, lancets, sterile pads, gloves and personal protective equipment) were secured. The main field activity took place at the Health Care Centre for Ukrainian refugees in Bratislava (Rovniankova 1), operated by EQUITA and the Bratislava Administrative Region. The screening offer was promoted through posters, leaflets distributed to patients, and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Telegram). Testing was provided during regular operating hours to all patients. A psychologist was available throughout the project to support patients with reactive results, help arrange appointments for laboratory confirmation and specialist care, and accompany patients if requested. Confirmatory diagnostics and treatment pathways were pre-arranged with University Hospital Bratislava (Dermatovenerology Clinic for syphilis; Infectious Diseases Clinic for HIV and viral hepatitis). Rapid testing using capillary blood was conducted. Participants signed informed consent before testing. Four drops of finger-prick blood were applied to rapid test plates, with results available after 10 minutes. Patient IDs, anonymized codes and results were recorded. Regardless of results, all patients received basic counselling on the screened diseases and prevention. In reactive cases, patients were informed immediately, referred for confirmation, and provided psychological support. Confirmed patients received clinical evaluation and treatment covered by state health insurance. Medical and administrative supplies at the facility were replenished weekly. A second field activity, "Health Day," was implemented at the Assistance Centre on Bottova Street, operated by the Municipality of Bratislava. Partners included the Regional Public Health Authority, the Bratislava Association of Medical Students and SCORA, and EQUITA. The event was promoted through posters and social media. Participants were offered rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, as well as basic cardiovascular screening and stool tests for occult bleeding. Informational brochures, condoms, menstrual aids and patient cards were distributed.

Conditions

Rapid Detection; STIs; HIV

Keywords

STI rapid screening; HIV screening; Hepatitis C screening; Syphilis screening; Hepatitis B screening

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C reactivity rates

  Reactive result on rapid screening

  From enrolment to 9 months after enrolment

Study Arms (2)

Group 1 - volunteers at outpatient healthcare facility

Patients coming to visit general practitioner or gynaecologist (at outpatient healthcare facility serving Ukrainian war refugees residing temporarily in Bratislava region) who underwent voluntary free-of-charge screening for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C by rapid test based on a capillary blood drop from a fingerpick.

Group 2 - volunteers at health screening event

Persons participating at community health screening one day event for Ukrainian war refugees residing temporarily in Bratislava region.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Ukrainian war refugees residing temporarily in Bratislava region, 18 years and older, that after signing the informed consent underwent rapid screening test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. All participants with reactive results were offered consultation with a psychologist and were referred to specialist for laboratory diagnosis and treatment.

You may qualify if:

• Ukrainian war refugees residing temporarily in Bratislava region
• years and older
• signed the informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• non Ukrainian war refugees
• age less than 18 years
• not signing the informed consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• World Health Organization: collaborator
• Comenius University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava

Bratislava, 81108, Slovakia

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Communicable Diseases; Infections; Genital Diseases; Urogenital Diseases; Disease Attributes; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Alexandra Bražinová, prof. MD, PhD

  Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Chair of Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 15, 2025
• First Posted: November 19, 2025
• Study Start: March 15, 2023
• Primary Completion: December 31, 2023
• Study Completion: June 30, 2024
• Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

SL (1)