STAR-NT
About STAR-NT
Who are we
STAR-NT is a community-centred research project focused on eliminating barriers to being tested for syphilis in Nunavik. The aim is to improve access to timely and accurate syphilis testing, which is essential to controlling the spread of syphilis.
This project builds on previous work with the common objective of reaching people who are at risk but do not currently benefit from testing.
STAR-NT is lead by researchers at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and McGill University, is Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and is implemented in close collaboration with the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS) and the Inuulitsivik Health Center, we are committed to delivering respectful and effective healthcare solutions for Nunavik communities.
Previous work
STAR demonstrated that frontline sexual health nurses could accurately identify untreated patients with presumed infectious syphilis using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and an automated reader. This approach has provided valuable insights, supporting more effective syphilis diagnosis and control in Nunavik communities
We also conducted mathematical modeling to demonstrate that using these rapid tests in all Nunavik communities, instead of sending samples to Montreal for results, could significantly reduce syphilis transmission. The model shows that by accelerating time-to-results, transmission rates could see a substantial decrease over 5 to 10 years. This highlights the potential long-term impact of implementing these tests across the region.
What We’re Doing Now
Having demonstrated that rapid tests for syphilis are accurate in real-world conditions in Nunavik and Nunavut communities, we recognize that widespread deployment in health centers could significantly reduce the transmission of this serious infection. Our current goal is to identify and reach community members who would benefit from syphilis testing but do not routinely visit health centers.
To achieve this, we will extend the reach of our validated rapid tests beyond traditional health centers by offering opt-in testing in non-traditional settings for anyone who seeks it. This initiative aims to ensure that all community members have access to vital testing and support.
How Will We Do This?
Our project consists of three key components:
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Identifying Suitable Locations: We are collaborating with community members in five villages to identify informal, voluntary testing locations where testing can be provided regularly.
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Conducting Testing: Over several months, we will offer testing at these identified locations. During this phase, we will monitor who is getting tested and assess whether we are reaching individuals who would not typically seek testing in a more traditional healthcare setting.
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Analyzing Results: Finally, we will analyze the results of our testing and model the potential impact of this approach on reducing syphilis transmission in the communities. This will help us understand the effectiveness of our strategy and its potential benefits for community health.
How Will We Do This?
We believe that offering testing in a voluntary, non-threatening manner, on individuals' own terms, will encourage people to engage in regular testing as a positive step for their health. Just as exercise and healthy eating are essential for well-being, prioritizing regular testing is about taking care of oneself and maintaining good health.
Our aim is to assess solutions that simplify this process, leading to increased testing rates and reduced transmission of syphilis within communities. If our approach successfully encourages more individuals to access testing and care, we will be able to integrate these methods into routine healthcare practices moving forward, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.