Understanding HIV positive and negative patients' perspective on opt-out, incentivized, & mandatory HIV testing

BACKGROUND: Widespread HIV testing remains the best preventive action against further spread of the HIV epidemic in the absence of a successful HIV vaccine. Despite the health benefits of HIV status awareness, over 40% of the U.S. population has never been tested for HIV. With the 2006 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) HIV testing recommendations, there has been a movement from voluntary counseling and testing to opt-out testing to combat low HIV testing rates. Few studies have investigated patients' acceptance of and attitude towards this and more novel testing models, e.g. incentivized or anonymous mandatory testing. OBJECTIVE: This study uses qualitative, semi-structured patient interviews to identify features of different HIV testing methods that would best motivate individuals to be tested. METHODS: Upon completion, 20 adult patients (10 HIV-positive and 10 HIV-negative) between the ages of 18-64 will have been recruited and interviewed. Patients will have been asked questions regarding their HIV testing history and attitudes towards opt-out, incentivized, and mandatory anonymous HIV testing. Patients will also have been asked what they feel could be done to improve HIV testing rates in the U.S. Major themes will be identified by analyzing interview results for patterns and core meanings. RESULTS: This study is still currently being conducted, however we anticipate identifying incentivized HIV testing as most effective in encouraging patients due to the motivating effects of incentives. CONCLUSION: A firm understanding of patients' perspectives allows for development of effective HIV testing initiatives that are patient-sensitive and can substantially reduce HIV infection rates.