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168396 Predictors of who chooses a rapid test for HIV in Los Angeles County

Monday, October 27, 2008

Kimberly A. Marsh, PBT (ASCP) , Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Grace L. Reynolds, DPA , Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Lucy Napper, PhD , Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Christine Willey, MA , Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Dennis Fisher, PhD , Center for Behavioral Research and Services, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Background: A problem with standard HIV testing is failure to return for test results. Rapid HIV testing provides a solution for this problem. However, many people are unaware of alternative testing methods. To our knowledge, no studies addressing clients' preference for standard or rapid HIV testing have been performed.

Method: Individuals (N = 1976) meeting Los Angeles County's behavioral risk group (BRG) definition were tested through a publicly funded HIV and STD testing program. 744 (37.6%) choose the rapid OraQuick Advance test for HIV over a standard test.

Findings: Compared to individuals who chose standard HIV testing, rapid testers were more likely to be male (Χ 2(1,N=1768)=6.19,p=.01), more educated (Χ 2(1,N=1763)=49.03,p< .0001), and identify as gay (Χ 2 (1,N=1764)=22.23, p=.0002). Rapid testers were younger (M = 36.6y, SD = 12.42) than standard testers (M = 37.8y, SD = 12.39, t(1721) = 1.96, p = .05). Rapid testers had fewer sex partners in the last month (M = 2.18, SD = 3.33) compared to standard testers (M=2.56, SD=3.65, t(1117)=1.89, p=.05) and used methamphetamine fewer days in the last month (M=.56, SD=3.25) than standard testers (M=1.06, SD=4.56, t(1710)=2.67, p=.0078). There were no differences between rapid and standard testers on whether they tested positive for HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, gonorrhea or Chlamydia.

Conclusions: Those who choose rapid HIV testing are more likely to be gay men, more sexually responsible, and use less methamphetamine than individuals who do not choose rapid testing.

Learning Objectives:
Learning objectives: 1. Attendees will be able to describe characteristics of individuals who choose a rapid HIV test over a standard HIV test if given a choice. 2. Attendees will understand the differences in risk behaviors between those who choose a rapid HIV test over a standard test. 3. Attendees will understand the differences in demographic characteristics between those who choose a rapid HIV test over a standard test.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I assisted in the interpretation of the results and the writing of the abstract.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Contemporary Issues in HIV Testing
See more of: HIV/AIDS