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

Prevalence of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Migrant Communities in Slovakia With a Special Emphasis on Refugees From Ukraine

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: HIV; STIs; Rapid Detection

Detailed Description

Before launching the project, all required materials were prepared, including informed consents, posters, informational leaflets, patient cards, social media posts, standard operating procedures, patient management plans and registries. Medical supplies (rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, lancets, sterile pads, gloves and PPE) 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. Screening was promoted through posters in waiting areas, printed leaflets, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Telegram). Testing was provided during regular operating hours to any patient. A psychologist was present to support reactive cases and assist with referral and follow-up. Prior agreements ensured laboratory confirmation and specialist care at University Hospital Bratislava (Dermatovenerology for syphilis; Infectious Diseases Clinic for HIV, hepatitis B and C).

Rapid screening using capillary finger-prick blood was conducted. After informed consent, four blood drops were applied to rapid tests, with results available in 10 minutes. Patient identifiers, anonymized codes and results were recorded. All patients received basic prevention counselling. Reactive patients were immediately informed, referred for confirmatory testing, and guided to specialist care; therapy was covered by state health insurance. Supplies at the Centre were replenished weekly.

A second field activity, "Health Day," was implemented at the Assistance Centre on Bottova Street in cooperation with multiple partners. The event offered rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, basic cardiovascular screening, and colorectal cancer stool tests. Informational materials, condoms and menstrual aids were distributed, and participants received patient cards documenting results.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 660

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Slovakia
  • Bratislava, Slovakia, 81108
    • Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• 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.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

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

Exclusion Criteria:

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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C reactivity rates	Reactive result on rapid screening	From enrolment to 9 months after enrolment

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Comenius University
• Collaborators: World Health Organization
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Alexandra Bražinová, prof. MD, PhD, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 15, 2023
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 31, 2023
• Study Completion (Actual): June 30, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: November 15, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 15, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): November 19, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): February 18, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 17, 2026
• Last Verified: February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Hepatitis C screening; HIV screening; Syphilis screening; STI rapid screening; Hepatitis B screening
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Urogenital Diseases; Genital Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Disease Attributes; Infections; Communicable Diseases; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2023/1338156-0

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No