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

Abstract #121402

Weihai Zhan, MS¹, Christine M. Arcari, PhD, MPH¹, Matthew Maxwell², Kathleen Krchnavek, MS², and James Vergeront, MD². (1) Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 610 Walnut Street, Madison, WI 53726, (608) 265-5491, carcari@wisc.edu, (2) AIDS/HIV Program, Wisconsin Division of Public Health, 1 West Wilson Street, PO Box 2659, Madison, WI 53701

BACKGROUND: The OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test (RT) for use in whole blood specimens has high sensitivity and specificity and can give results in 20-40 minutes. The public's preference and acceptability to this test has not been well studied. METHODS: A post-market survey of the OraQuick RT was conducted among 1480 participants seeking an HIV test at 7 testing sites in Wisconsin between August and December 2003. Questionnaires were administered to collect information including demographic characteristics, HIV risk exposures, and HIV test preference. RESULTS: Overall, 1071 (72.4%) participants were offered RT and at least one other HIV test (conventional blood or oral fluid). 879 (82.1%) chose RT. The acceptance rate was significantly lower among Hispanics (56.2%) compared to whites (84.7%), African Americans (83.7%) and other (87.1%, p<0.0001). Acceptance was higher among females (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.8) and young participants <30 years (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4-2.9). No difference in acceptance was found between high, moderate and low HIV risk exposure levels. The primary reason for people choosing RT was timing of the results. Receipt of results and counseling was significantly higher among participants who selected RT (99.5%) compared to conventional blood (88.1%) and oral fluid (77.8%) tests (p<0.01). No difference in HIV preliminary positive rates was observed by test type. DISCUSSION: The OraQuick RT was widely accepted at 7 testing sites in Wisconsin and led to a higher proportion of participants returning for results and counseling. Further research on RT acceptance among the Hispanic population is recommended.

Learning Objectives:

• To evaluate the acceptability of the OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test in Wsiconsin.
• To identify barriers to HIV/AIDS rapid testing in Wisconsin.

Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Screening

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.

Recorded presentation