Assessing the acceptability of dried blood spot testing for HIV and STBBI among Metis people in a community driven pilot project in Alberta, Canada

Background: Little literature exists on culturally grounded approaches for addressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) among Metis people. The goal of this mixed-methods research was to explore the experiences of Metis community members participating in a dried blood spot testing (DBST) for HIV/STBBI pilot for Metis communities in Alberta, Canada, with the aim of assessing the acceptability of this testing method. Methods: Grounded in community-based and Indigenous research approaches and working in partnership with a Metis community-based organization, data collection included a survey and four gathering circles with Metis DBST recipients at one of two community events, and semi-structured interviews with three DBST providers. Results: Twenty-six of the 30 DBST recipients completed surveys, and 19 DBST recipients participated in gathering circles. Survey results suggest DBST is a highly acceptable STBBI testing method to Metis community members. Thematic analysis of gathering circle and interview transcripts revealed four broad themes related to the participants' experiences with DBST related to its acceptability (i. ease of DBST process, ii. overcoming logistical challenges associated with existing STBBI testing, iii. Reducing stigma through health role models and event-based, and iv. Metis-specific services). Conclusions: These findings illustrate the potential for DBST to be part of a culturally grounded, Metis-specific response to HIV and STBBI.