Predictors of support of in-pharmacy HIV testing: Preliminary findings from the Pharmacies as Resources Making Links to Community Services (PHARM-Link) study

Background: HIV is high among Black/Hispanic injection drug users (IDUs). The New York State Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) allows pharmacies to sell non-prescription syringes to IDUs to prevent HIV transmission. ESAP has resulted in pharmacy-IDU relationships that support expanding pharmacy services such as on-site HIV testing. This analysis assesses pharmacy support of in-pharmacy HIV testing. Methods: ESAP-registered pharmacies located in ethnographically mapped areas of high drug-activity neighborhoods in New York City were screened. Pharmacies that sold non-prescription syringes and had regular and new ESAP customers were considered eligible and a 10-minute survey was administered to all staff. Logistic regression was used to examine attitudes and opinions associated with HIV testing support. Results: Of 376 pharmacy staff, 57.7% were pharmacy technicians. Technicians were more likely female and Hispanic. Pharmacists were more likely male and Asian/Pacific Islander. 79.3% of pharmacy staff supports in-pharmacy HIV testing. Support of ESAP, in-pharmacy vaccination, provision of safe syringe use information, HIV testing referrals, medical and drug-treatment referrals were significantly associated with support for in-pharmacy HIV testing. Those supporting HIV testing were also less likely to believe that selling syringes to IDUs causes improper syringe disposal in communities. After adjustment, those supporting in-pharmacy vaccination were 10.1 (95% CI: 5.03-20.39) times more likely to support in-pharmacy HIV testing. Conclusion: Expansion of pharmacy services to include vaccination and HIV testing should be explored in New York and can serve as a model for other states that permit or are considering laws allowing these public health services.