A novel time-limited pop-up HIV testing service for gay men in Sydney, Australia, attracts high-risk men

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vickie Knight ◽  
Marianne Gale ◽  
Rebecca Guy ◽  
Nicolas Parkhill ◽  
Jo Holden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Screening Service ◽  
Testing Service ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Rapid Hiv Test

Background HIV diagnoses have been increasing steadily in Australia and are concentrated among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). HIV testing is a key control strategy, and in 2013, a novel time-limited pop-up community HIV testing service (Pop-up) was introduced to raise awareness and increase testing options for GBM. The Pop-up service offered rapid HIV tests only. We compared uptake and outcomes of the Pop-up service to an established clinical model [a fast-track screening service in a sexual health clinic offering rapid and/or conventional HIV tests and sexually transmissible infection (STI) tests]. Methods: Service delivery data was collated and analysed from the HIV Pop-up (25 November to 1 December 2013) and the fast-track HIV/STI screening service (Xpress) in a sexual health clinic immediately before the Pop-up (1 August to 22 November 2013). A comparison of all the HIV tests and results, tests per hour and characteristics of new clients (demographics, risk behaviour, testing history) was conducted using χ2, Poisson distribution and Ranksum tests. Results: At the Pop-up service, 182 GBM had a rapid HIV test conducted over the 5-day period (average: seven HIV tests per hour) and no HIV tests were reactive (0%, 95% confidence interval: 0–1.8%). At the Xpress service, 1075 asymptomatic GBM had at least one STI test and 957 GMB had a HIV test (rapid or conventional) conducted over the 3-month period (average: four HIV tests per hour), with two positive HIV tests (0.2%, 95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.7) and 151 positive STI tests (14%, 95% confidence interval: 12–16.2). Compared with new patients at the Xpress service, GBM attending the Pop-up service were older (median of 39 vs 29 years, P < 0.01); more likely to report ≥5 sexual partners in the past 3 months (P = 0.02); more likely to reside in ‘Gay Sydney’ (P < 0.01); and more likely to be tested for HIV (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Time-limited Pop-up community HIV testing is feasible and reached high-risk GBM, but compared with a clinic-based model, it only reached a smaller proportion of GBM who test infrequently or who have never been tested and are unaware of their HIV status. No STI testing was conducted through the Pop-up service, which allowed a higher throughput of HIV tests; however, a significant number of STIs may have been missed.

scholarly journals Post-test comparison of HIV test knowledge and changes in sexual risk behaviour between clients accessing HIV testing online versus in-clinic

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis Salway ◽  
Kimberly Thomson ◽  
Darlene Taylor ◽  
Devon Haag ◽  
Elizabeth Elliot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Post Test

ObjectiveInternet-based HIV testing offers the potential to address privacy-related barriers to testing and increase frequency of testing but may result in missed opportunities related to sexual health education and prevention that typically occur in face-to-face encounters. In this study, we assessed the HIV test knowledge and sexual risk behaviour of clients testing for HIV through GetCheckedOnline, an internet-based sexually transmitted and bloodborne infection testing platform inclusive of HIV testing, in comparison to clients testing through a large sexual health clinic.MethodsWe concurrently recruited GetCheckedOnline clients and clinic clients from Vancouver, Canada, over the course of a 10-month period during 2015–2016. Participants completed baseline and 3-month questionnaires, anonymous and online. A six-item score was used to estimate knowledge of HIV test concepts typically conveyed during an HIV pretest encounter in a clinic. We used multiple regression to estimate associations between testing modality (online vs clinic based) and two outcomes—HIV test knowledge and change in condom use pre/post-test—with adjustment for relevant background factors.ResultsAmong 352 participants, online testers demonstrated higher HIV post-test knowledge than clinic-based testers (mean score 4.65/6 vs 4.09/6; p<0.05); this difference was reduced in adjusted analysis (p>0.05). Men who have sex with men, clients with a university degree, those who have lived in Canada >10 years and English speakers had higher HIV post-test knowledge (p<0.05). Eighteen per cent of online testers and 10% of clinic-based testers increased condom use during the 3 months post-test (p>0.05).ConclusionsIn this comparative study between online and clinic-based testers, we found no evidence of decreased HIV test knowledge or decreased condom use following HIV testing through GetCheckedOnline. Our findings suggest that with careful design and attention to educational content, online testing services may not lead to missed opportunities for HIV education and counselling.

scholarly journals Implementation of Rapid HIV Testing Programs in Community and Outreach Settings: Perspectives from Staff at Eight Community-Based Organizations in Seven U.S. Cities

2008 ◽  
Vol 123 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 86-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hollie A. Clark ◽  
Kristina E. Bowles ◽  
Binwei Song ◽  
James D. Heffelfinger
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Hiv Counseling ◽  
Community Based Organizations ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Rapid Hiv Test

Objectives. The goals of this research were to evaluate perceptions of staff about the effectiveness of methods used by eight community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and rapid testing in community and outreach settings in seven U.S. cities, and to identify operational challenges. Methods. A survey was administered to CBO staff to determine their perceptions about the effectiveness of methods used to select testing venues, promote their testing programs, recruit people for testing, provide test results, and link HIV-positive people to health care. Using a Likert scale, respondents rated the effectiveness of methods, their agreement with statements about using mobile testing units (MTUs) and rapid HIV test kits, and operational challenges. Results. Most respondents perceived the methods they used for selecting testing venues, and particularly using recommendations from people receiving testing, to be effective. Most respondents also thought their promotional activities were effective. Respondents believed that using MTUs improved their capacity to reach high-risk individuals, but that MTUs were associated with substantial challenges (e.g., costs to purchase and maintain them). Programmatic challenges included training staff to provide counseling and testing, locating and providing confirmatory test results to people with reactive rapid tests, and sustaining testing programs. Conclusions. CBO staff thought the methods used to select venues for HIV testing were effective and that using MTUs increased their ability to provide testing to high-risk individuals. However, using MTUs was expensive and posed logistical difficulties. CBOs planning to implement similar programs should take these findings into consideration and pay particular attention to training needs and program sustainability.

scholarly journals HIV testing amongst older sexual health clinic attendees in England: an epidemiological study

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadie Bell ◽  
Joy Adamson ◽  
Fabiola Martin ◽  
Tim Doran
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

Older adults with HIV are at increased risk of late diagnosis. We aimed to explore the association between age and HIV testing rates in sexual health clinics in England using Public Health England data for 2009–2014. We investigated associations between attendee age and likelihood of HIV test offer, acceptance, and coverage. For each year, increasing age was associated with reduced likelihood of test offer (Rs −0.797 to −0.958, p < 0·01). Offer rates were highest for men who have sex with men (MSM), and lowest for heterosexual females (HSFs). HSFs had the greatest decline in offer rates with age (from 86.2% for age 25–29 to 52.1% for age 70+ in 2014). Odds ratios for test offer in 2014 for attendees aged 15–49 compared with attendees aged 50+ were 1.94 (95%CI: 1.88, 2.00) for heterosexual males (HSMs), 1.86 (95%CI: 1.81, 1.91) for HSFs, and 1.54 (95%CI: 1.45, 1.64) for MSM. Overall, there was no significant association between age and test acceptance in any year (Rs −0.070 to −0.547; p > 0·05). The strongest determinant of acceptance was sexual orientation; for attendees aged 50+, compared with HSMs, acceptance was higher for MSM (OR: 1.10; 95%CI: 1.06, 1.13) and lower for HSFs (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.30, 0.31).

Factors Associated With HIV Testing in Teenage Men Who Have Sex With Men

2021 ◽  
pp. 31-39
Author(s):  
Brian Mustanski ◽  
David A. Moskowitz ◽  
Kevirj O. Moran ◽  
H. Jonathon Rendina ◽  
Michael E. Newcomb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Hiv Prevention Intervention ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sexual Health Communication ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Regular Doctor

BACKGROUND Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) have a high rate of HIV diagnoses. An estimated 14.5% of HIV infections in the United States are undiagnosed; but among 13- to 24-year-olds, the rate is 51.4%. We describe HIV testing rates and identifies salient individual, family, school, and health care influences among AMSM. METHODS Data were collected as part of SMART, an ongoing pragmatic trial of an online HIV prevention intervention for AMSM (N = 699). Measures included lifetime HIV testing, demographics, sexual behaviors, condom use, HIV education from school and family, sexual health communication with doctors, HIV knowledge, and risk attitudes. RESULTS Only 23.2% of participants had ever had an HIV test. Rates of testing increased with age (5.6% in 13- to 14-year-olds; 15.8% in 15- to 16-year-olds; 37.8% in 17- to 18-year-olds), and sexual experience was a strong predictor of testing (odds ratio: 6.54; 95% confidence interval: 3.95–11.49; P &lt; .001). Most participants had a regular doctor (67.5%), but few had conversations about same-sex sexual behaviors (21.3%), HIV testing (19.2%), or sexual orientation (29.2%). Speaking to a doctor about HIV testing had a large effect (odds ratio: 25.29; confidence interval: 15.91–41.16; P &lt; .001), with 75.4% who had such conversations having been tested, compared to only 10.8% of those who had not had such conversations. CONCLUSIONS Despite higher risk, few participants reported ever having received an HIV test. Data indicate pediatricians are an important, but largely untapped, source of testing and could be integral to achieving testing rates needed to end the epidemic.

scholarly journals 1661. Using Social Media to Enhance an STI Screening Program in Wuhan, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S608-S608
Author(s):  
Margaret E Newman McCort ◽  
Yanmeng Feng ◽  
Haojie Huang ◽  
Jonathan Lio ◽  
Renslow Sherer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Rapid Hiv Test

Abstract Background 357 million people between the ages of 19 and 49 are infected each year with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Wuhan, China is a unique setting for STI intervention as it has over 900,000 college students, a population at high risk for contracting HIV. Cultural attitudes toward premarital sex and homosexuality and poor sexual education are barriers to lowering STI rates. Additionally, 90% of Chinese healthcare is provided at large public hospitals with minimal privacy. Anonymous STI screening outside of the public hospital setting is highly desired by young adults and MSM populations. Methods Study investigators partnered with dating app Blued to advertise a nontraditional testing site where high-risk individuals were offered anonymous STI/HIV screening. With the assistance of the regional CDC and a community-based organization (CBO), rapid STI results were provided in a convenient and nonjudgmental setting. Information on sexual behavior and knowledge of STIs was surveyed for future public health interventions. Results Of 200 individuals screened for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, 51 (25.5%) had a positive test result. Over 10% of rectal and pharyngeal tests were positive, compared with 1% of urine tests. 3/200 (1.5%) of had positive rapid HIV test results; all were connected to treatment. Among 41 (20.5%) who learned about the study through Blued, STI prevalence was higher (31.7% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.3), compared with participants recruited through advertisement by the CBO. Most (67.5%) identified as MSM. Survey data confirmed low underlying knowledge of STI transmission and risk factors, especially regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Conclusion A discreet screening service at a nontraditional site, facilitated through dating application and social media advertisement, was well received by young adult and MSM communities in Wuhan, China. Triple-site STI screening found a significant number of infections among this population and should be routinely offered by public health services. The use of real-time, convenient diagnostic testing presents an opportunity to lower HIV incidence in Wuhan, a city with a large at-risk population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Fall in new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) at selected London sexual health clinics since early 2015: testing or treatment or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)?

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (25) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison E Brown ◽  
Hamish Mohammed ◽  
Dana Ogaz ◽  
Peter D Kirwan ◽  
Mandy Yung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Since October 2015 up to September 2016, HIV diagnoses fell by 32% compared with October 2014–September 2015 among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending selected London sexual health clinics. This coincided with high HIV testing volumes and rapid initiation of treatment on diagnosis. The fall was most apparent in new HIV testers. Intensified testing of high-risk populations, combined with immediately received anti-retroviral therapy and a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme, may make elimination of HIV achievable.

scholarly journals Results from a Multiple Morbidities Testing Program Offering Rapid HIV Testing Bundled with Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing

2008 ◽  
Vol 123 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 63-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace L. Reynolds ◽  
Dennis G. Fisher ◽  
Lucy E. Napper ◽  
Kimberly A. Marsh ◽  
Christine Willey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Long Beach ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Testing Program ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Rapid Hiv Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Rapid Hiv Test ◽  
Multiple Morbidities

Objectives. Bundling human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing with tests for other infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, syphilis, or gonorrhea has been proposed as a method to recruit at-risk individuals into HIV testing. The objectives of this study were to determine ( 1) the types of at-risk clients who choose the rapid vs. standard HIV test when bundled with hepatitis and sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests, and ( 2) whether clients receiving a rapid HIV test are more likely to return on time for hepatitis and STI test results. Methods. We recruited individuals from drug treatment programs, methadone maintenance programs, needle-exchange programs, a community-based agency serving the gay and lesbian community, and the Center for Behavioral Research and Services' office-based testing facility at California State University, Long Beach from January 2005 through November 2007. Results. A total of 2,031 clients from a multiple morbidities testing program in Long Beach, California, were tested between January 2005 and November 2007. For clients receiving hepatitis and STI testing, the majority chose the standard HIV test. Clients who received a rapid HIV test returned in significantly fewer days than clients who received a standard HIV test. Injection drug users and sex traders were more likely to choose the standard HIV test and more likely to fail to return for test results on time. Conclusion. The rapid HIV test, in conjunction with hepatitis and STI tests, results in clients being more likely to return on time for hepatitis and STI results. Public health efforts should focus on acquainting high-risk clients with rapid HIV testing.

scholarly journals 1294. Long-Term Impact of an HIV Testing Program on High-Risk HIV Screening in the Emergency Department

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S466-S466
Author(s):  
Jillian T Baron ◽  
Alexis Schwartz ◽  
Ebony Davis ◽  
Julie E Uspal ◽  
Brendan Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Hiv Screening ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Testing Program ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background Emergency Departments (EDs) are important sites for HIV testing. However, there is little guidance on how best to implement HIV testing in the ED. The purpose of this study was to evaluate HIV screening practices of high-risk individuals presenting to an ED in the absence (ED1) and in the presence (ED2) of an established HIV testing program within the same academic hospital. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all individuals 18 years or older presenting to either ED between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. High-risk of HIV infection was determined by receipt of bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis. The primary outcome was receipt of any HIV test in the ED. Overall proportions of patients tested for HIV at the same time of STI testing were compared between sites by chi-square test. Predictors of HIV testing were analyzed by logistic regression. Results During the study period, 7,956 individuals received STI testing at ED1 and 10,815 received STI testing at ED2. The majority of individuals receiving STI testing at both sites were female, 81.2% at ED1 and 66.4% at ED2 (P <0.001). Only 4.0% of individuals received HIV testing at ED1 compared with 47.4% at ED2 (P <0.001). Individuals were significantly more likely to receive HIV testing at the time of STI testing in the ED with an HIV testing program (aOR 19.66, 95% CI 17.28–22.37). In the ED without an HIV testing program, individuals were more likely to receive HIV testing if they were male (aOR 3.57, 95% CI 2.78–4.55) and less likely if they were black (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.50–0.97). In the ED with an HIV testing program, individuals were more likely to receive HIV testing if they were male (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.92–2.44) and more likely if they were black (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.37–2.20). Conclusion Overall, the presence of an HIV testing program in the ED significantly increased the probability that individuals would receive an HIV test at the time of bacterial STI testing and mitigated disparities in care. The results of this study will help guide ongoing interventions to improve HIV screening among high-risk individuals in the emergency department. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals HIV testing practices and the potential role of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in Mexico

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E Oldenburg ◽  
Katie B Biello ◽  
Amaya G Perez-Brumer ◽  
Joshua Rosenberger ◽  
David S Novak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Testing Practices ◽  
Sex With Men

The objective of this study was to characterize HIV testing practices among men who have sex with men in Mexico and intention to use HIV self-testing. In 2012, members of one of the largest social/sexual networking websites for men who have sex with men in Latin America completed an anonymous online survey. This analysis was restricted to HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men residing in Mexico. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess factors associated with HIV testing and intention to use a HIV self-test. Of 4537 respondents, 70.9% reported ever having a HIV test, of whom 75.5% reported testing at least yearly. The majority (94.3%) indicated that they would use a HIV home self-test if it were available. Participants identifying as bisexual less often reported ever HIV testing compared to those identifying as gay/homosexual (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.62). Having a physical exam in the past year was associated with increased ever HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 4.35, 95% confidence interval: 3.73–5.07), but associated with decreased interest in HIV self-testing (adjusted odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.89). The high intention to use HIV home self-testing supports the use of this method as an acceptable alternative to clinic- or hospital-based HIV testing.

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