From the Field: Rapid Assessment of HIV Knowledge and Motivations for Testing Prior to Diagnosis among a Southern Clinic-based Population of HIV Positive Adults

Background. HIV/AIDS is imposing an increasing burden on southern middle-aged populations. The purpose of this study was to conduct a rapid assessment of HIV knowledge and motivations for testing among HIV positive adults at a public health clinic in the south. Methods. Data collection for this study involved a cross-sectional interview of 45 adult HIV positive patients. Interviews took place from July to August 2009 at a public HIV clinic. Frequency tables, pearson chi-square tests, and 2-sided Fisher exact tests were generated to provide descriptive results of the quantitative data. Qualitative data were group by common themes. Results. Participants had a median age of 44.5. The sample was 62% black and 38% white. Eighty-nine percent reported contracting HIV through sex, and the majority (71%) postponed testing until they experienced an adverse event related to HIV. Seventy-six percent reported engaging in unprotected intercourse despite knowing this was a risk factor for HIV. Further, 56% expressed a need for more HIV prevention education despite their own high levels of knowledge prior to HIV diagnosis. No racial differences in the understanding of HIV transmission were observed. Conclusions. Findings from this rapid assessment suggest that HIV testing relatively late in infection is prevalent in this middle-aged population. Primary motivations for testing were adverse events, highlighting the need for prevention programs that encourage this group to get tested early in their infection. Preventive educational interventions should incorporate the importance of testing in addition to increasing knowledge and awareness of transmission modes and other prevention strategies.