Select your language
This study aims to make HIV self-testing available in multiple languages so that foreign residents in Japan can use it. It also seeks to understand the characteristics and satisfaction of users, to examine the support system needed for test-takers, and to assess the acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing.
The study participants are foreign residents in Japan who are 18 years of age or older.
First, we would like to confirm whether you are eligible to participate in this study. Please answer the following questions:
Are you a foreign national or a Japanese citizen with foreign roots?
Do you currently live in Japan?
Are you 18 years of age or older?
Important Things to Know about HIV
Before we explain about HIV self-testing, here are some important things:
- HIV is a virus called “Human Immunodeficiency Virus.” It weakens your body’s defense system (immune system) , so you can get sick more easily. If HIV is detected early and you start treatment, you can stay healthy and live a long life. Taking medicine regularly also greatly lowers, the chance of transmitting HIV to another person.
- If you are a foreign resident in Japan, you will not lose your visa just because you have HIV.
- Having HIV is not a reason for a school to expel or for a job to fire you.
About HIV Self-Test
In this study, we use OraQuick.
What is OraQuick?
OraQuick is a simple HIV self-test kit that you can use by yourself. Gently swab your gums inside your mouth with a special stick, place it into a container with liquid, and the result will appear in about 20 minutes.
- No injections or blood samples are required.
- You can take the test at your preferred location without visiting a hospital or testing facility.
- It is widely used around the world and is a highly reliable testing method.
- OraQuick checks whether your body has made antibodies to HIV. If you were exposed to HIV less than 3 months ago, the result might not be accurate.
- Since this test kit is for research purposes, you cannot begin treatment even if the test result is positive.
- If your result is positive, you must go to a public health center or medical facility for further blood test to confirm.
HIV Self-Test Procedure
Apply online to receive the test.
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Apply online to receive the test.
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A receipt number will be sent to your registered email address.
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Receive the test kit (OraQuick and instructions).
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Following the written instructions and how-to video, collect your saliva using the kit, and check your result after 20 minutes.
How to Receive the HIV Self-Test Kit
Applicants can choose one of the following:
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Home delivery
You need to provide your name and home address.
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Pick up at your local post office
You need to provide name of the post office, your name, and your address.
- Your name and address will be deleted after delivery is complete. The package will not show what is inside.
- If, you have not uploaded a photo of your test result and completed the questionnaire about 2 weeks after the test kit was sent, we will email you again.
About This Study
This study is part of a national research project in Japan called “Research to Improve HIV Testing and Medical Care for Foreign Residents.”
When you apply for the test, we will ask you to answer a short questionnaire about yourself. After you use the test, we will ask you to: Upload a photo of your test result on a website / Answer another short questionnaire about your experience and satisfaction. If you complete all of these, you will receive a QuoCardPay (1,000 yen) by email as a thank-you gift.
Consent to participate in the Survey
After the application period ends, we will collect and analyze the results. The purpose is to find ways to make HIV testing easier for foreign residents in Japan. Please understand that the study leader can check whether you have used the test and can see the photos of the test kits you upload.
If your test result is positive, a doctor from the research team will contact you to help arrange a blood test. For this reason, your test result and email address will be shared with the doctor.
The number of test kits are limited. Each person can apply only once. Applications will close once all kits have been distributed.
You may withdraw your agreement to participate in this study at any time. If you wish to withdraw, please contact us using your receipt number and the email address you registered at the time of application:
Faculty of Social Sciences, Kyorin University, Tsutomu Kitajima kitajima@ks.kyorin-u.ac.jp
Do you agree to participate in the study “Developing a System for Providing HIV Self-Testing to Foreign Residents in Japan” with the above information understood?
Application for HIV Self-Test
How to Apply
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Please complete the pre-survey about HIV self-testing.
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Choose how you would like to receive your self-test kit.
Pre-Survey about HIV Self-Testing
This survey is to help us understand the characteristics of people who want to use HIV self-testing. The results will be used to plan and improve future HIV testing services. We ask for your cooperation
Your answers will be processed statistically, so no one will be identified from the survey data. Participation in the survey is voluntary, and you do not need to answer any questions you do not want to.
By answering this survey, you are helping us make HIV testing better for foreign residents in Japan.