Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111340

Elin B. Begley, MPH, Angela B. Hutchinson, PhD, Brian C. Boyett, MS, Hollie A. Clark, MPH, and Scott Kellerman, MD, MPH. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-5175, ebegley@cdc.gov

Background: The Advancing HIV Prevention (AHP) initiative calls for new models of diagnosing HIV infections outside medical settings. Rapid HIV testing at MGP events is a unique means of implementing this strategy with minority men who have sex with men (MMSM). Methods: Health departments and community based organizations (CBOs) in Detroit, Oakland (2 events) and Baltimore conducted testing. MMSM attending the events were offered rapid HIV testing and asked to complete a 2-page questionnaire to capture information on demographics, HIV knowledge and beliefs, and behavior. Persons with preliminary positive results met with a counselor to set up appointments for confirmatory test results and collect client locating information for follow-up purposes. Results: 451 people completed a questionnaire and 162 were tested (36%); 99 in Detroit, 26 in Baltimore, 37 in Oakland. Testing numbers were limited by available counseling, testing, and recruiting staff; testing space; and test acceptance. Of 13 preliminary positive results (8% seropositivity), all were new diagnoses and all had positive confirmatory tests. Self-identified characteristics of persons tested were: 73% black, 8% Hispanic, 8% white, 11% other; 61% male, 38% female, 1% transgender; and 44% gay, 17% bisexual, 28% straight, 11% other. Conclusions: Rapid HIV testing conducted at MGP events identified previously undiagnosed individuals outside of medical settings. Although the proportion of people tested was limited by logistical issues and test acceptance, seroprevalence was high. Given the high seroprevalence of those tested, organizations serving minority populations should focus on the prevention needs of MMSM.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Recognize a unique way of implementing HIV testing outside of medical settings.
• Prioritize testing services for high-risk minority men who have sex with men.
• Identify new venues for testing and prevention services.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.