Effective Detection of HIV:

Effectiveness of a Novel HIV Self-Testing Service with Online Real-Time Counseling Support (HIVST-Online) in Increasing HIV Testing Rate and Repeated HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hong Kong: Results of a Pilot Implementation Project

HIV self-testing (HIVST) with online real-time counseling (HIVST-online) is an evidence-based intervention to increase HIV testing coverage and to ensure linkage to care for men who have sex with men (MSM). A community-based organization (CBO) recruited 122 MSM who had ever used HIVST-online (ever-users) and another 228 new-users from multiple sources and promoted HIVST-online. A free oral fluid-based HIVST kit was sent to all the participants by mail. Experienced HIVST administrators implemented HIVST-online by providing real-time instruction, standard-of-care pre-test and post-test counseling via live-chat application. The number of HIVST-online sessions performed was documented by the administrators. The post-test evaluation was conducted 6 months after the pre-test survey. At month 6, 63.1% of ever-users and 40.4% of new-users received HIVST-online. Taking other types of HIV testing into account, 79.4% of ever-users and 58.6% of new-users being followed up at month 6 received any HIV testing during the project period. Ever-users were more likely to receive HIVST-online and any HIV testing as compared to new-users. Four HIVST-online users were screened to be HIV positive and linked to the treatment. The process evaluation of HIVST-online was positive. Implementation of HIVST-online was helpful to improve HIV testing coverage and repeated HIV testing among Chinese MSM. A larger scale implementation should be considered.

HIV Testing Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men: The Roles of HIV Knowledge, Online Social Life, and Sexual Identity Concerns

HIV testing is critical for timely care and controlling the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly for regions with increasing infection rates such as China. This study investigated HIV testing and associated demographic, psychosocial, and risk behavior factors among internet-using Chinese MSM (n = 332). Most participants received HIV testing before (74.1%), which was associated with more HIV knowledge, online social life, and more frequent condomless anal sex. Among MSM who tested previously (n = 246), 48.4% reported regular HIV testing, which was associated with a greater online social life and less sexual identity concerns (internalized homonegativity and concealment motivation). Findings suggest a two-step approach to engage MSM who never tested for HIV and who do not undergo regular testing. Strategies to promote testing should enhance HIV knowledge, sex education, and online MSM community building. Interventions to increase acceptance and positivity of sexual identity are crucial to regular testing.

Behavior intention to use routine opt-out HIV testing in primary care settings among men who have sex with men in China

The opt-out option has the advantages of potentially normalizing HIV testing and hence remove stigma involved in HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study investigated behavioral intention to use free routine opt-out HIV testing in primary care settings and associated factors among MSM in Hong Kong, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 336 MSM recruited from multiple sources during October 2015 and September 2016. Of the participants, 37.2% intended to use free routine opt-out HIV testing in primary care settings in the next 12 months if it was made available. Adjusted for significant background variables, variables on positive attitudes, perceived subjective norm (i.e., perceived support from male partners for taking up routine opt-out testing) and perceived descriptive norm (i.e., perceived >60% of peers would use this option) were significantly associated with behavioral intention use such testing option. In addition, had ever tested for HIV, and perceived level of trust of health professionals in primary care settings were also significant. Routine opt-out HIV testing is a potential useful means to increase HIV testing coverage among MSM in Hong Kong. Policy makers should consider allocating resources to pilot and implement this testing option.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Efficacy of Promoting a Home-Based HIV Self-Testing with Online Counseling on Increasing HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

We developed an innovative home-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) service that included mailing of a free HIVST kit, and providing online real-time instructions and pre-test/post-test counseling (HIVST-OIC). The present parallel-group and non-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of promoting HIVST-OIC in increasing HIV testing rate among 430 men who have sex with men (MSM), with access to online live-chat applications in Hong Kong. At month 6, as compared to the control group, the intervention group reported significantly higher prevalence of HIV testing of any type (89.8 vs. 50.7%; relative risk (RR): 1.77; p < 0.001). Among those who have taken up any HIV testing in the last six months, significant between-group difference was found in multiple male sex partnerships (34.2 vs. 47.7%, RR: 0.72; p = 0.021). HIVST-OIC has a strong potential in increasing prevalence of HIV testing and reducing sexual risk behaviors. Implementation research is warranted.

A comparison of effectiveness between oral rapid testing and routine serum-based testing for HIV in an outpatient dental clinic in Yuxi Prefecture, China: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of routine provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) and oral rapid HIV testing for dental clinic outpatients in a hospital.

DESIGN

We employed a case-control study design and recruited dental outpatients into routine serum-based and oral rapid testing groups. We compared the acceptance, completion and result notification rate between groups.

SETTING

A dental outpatient clinic in the Yuxi People's Hospital, Yunnan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 758 and 816 dental outpatients were enrolled for routine and oral rapid testing, respectively.

RESULTS

The percentage of participants willing to receive routine HIV testing was 28.1% (95% CI 24.9% to 31.3%) and 96.1% (95% CI 94.8% to 97.4%, χ2=186.4, p<0.001) for the rapid testing. Among accepted participants, the percentage of participants who received HIV testing was 26.8% (95% CI 20.9% to 32.7%) in the routine testing group and 100.0% in the oral rapid HIV testing group (χ2=77.5, p<0.001). About 93.0% of routine testers returned for the test results on the next day, whereas all rapid testers received their test results on the same day (χ2=34.6, p<0.001). These correspond to an overall completion rate of 7.0% (95% CI 5.2% to 8.8%) and 96.1% (95% CI 94.8% to 97.4%, p<0.001), respectively. Among the 545 patients who declined routine serum-based HIV testing, the main reasons included, an unnecessary hassle (254/545, 46.6%), having been previously tested (124/545, 22.8%) and self-perceived low risk of HIV infection (103/545, 18.9%). In contrast, only 32 individuals declined oral rapid testing, and having received a previous test was the primary reason. Three patients in the rapid testing group were later confirmed HIV-positive, yielding an HIV prevalence of 0.38%.

CONCLUSION

Oral rapid HIV testing is a feasible and efficient approach in a clinical setting.

Factors associated with HIV testing among male injecting drug users: findings from a cross-sectional behavioural and biological survey in Manipur and Nagaland, India

Background

Although targeted interventions in India require all high-risk groups, including injecting drug users (IDUs), to test for HIV every 6 months, testing uptake among IDUs remains far from universal. Our study estimates the proportion of IDUs who have taken an HIV test and identifies the factors associated with HIV testing uptake in Nagaland and Manipur, two high HIV prevalence states in India where the epidemic is driven by injecting drug use.

Methods

Data are drawn from the cross-sectional Integrated Behavioural and Biological Assessment (2009) of 1650 male IDUs from two districts each of Manipur and Nagaland. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Descriptive data were analysed using RDSAT 7.1. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken using STATA 11 to examine the association between HIV testing and socio-demographic, behavioural and programme exposure variables.

Results

One third of IDUs reported prior HIV testing, of whom 8 % had tested HIV-positive. Among those without prior testing, 6.2 % tested HIV-positive in the current survey. IDUs aged 25–34 years (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.41; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.93), married (Adjusted OR = 1.56; 95 % CI = 1.15–2.12), had a paid sexual partner (Adjusted OR = 1.64; 95 % CI = 1.24–2.18), injected drugs for more than 36 months (Adjusted OR = 1.38; 95 % CI = 1.06–1.81), injected frequently (Adjusted OR = 1.49; 95 % CI = 1.12–1.98) and had high-risk perception (Adjusted OR = 1.68; 95 % CI = 1.32–2.14) were more likely than others to test for HIV. Compared to those with no programme exposure, IDUs who received counselling, or counselling and needle/syringe services, were more likely to test for HIV.

Conclusions

HIV testing uptake among IDUs is low in Manipur and Nagaland, and a critical group of HIV-positive IDUs who have never tested for HIV are being missed by current programmes. This study identifies key sub-groups—including early initiators, short duration and less frequent injectors, perceived to be at low risk—for promoting HIV testing. Providing needles/syringes alone is not adequate to increase HIV testing; additionally, interventions must provide counselling services to inform all IDUs about HIV testing benefits, facilitate visits to testing centres and link those testing positive to timely treatment and care.

Repeated HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Increased Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: A Prospective Cohort Study

High risk MSM are recommended to take up HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) once every 6 months. 809 HIV-negative MSM in Beijing, China entered the 18-month prospective cohort study; 228 joined an extended study at month 21. The majority (92.5 %) of the participants had taken up four rounds of VCT over the study period. HIV prevalence at months 0, 6, 12, 18 and 21 ranged from 2.5 to 6.3 %; HIV incidences for the four intervals between the five visits ranged from 5.00 to 14.28 per 100-person year. Despite experiencing repeated VCT, high levels of risk behaviors were reported at month 21. 18 % of the participants interviewed at month 21 self-reported increased in UAI and other risk behaviors, comparing recent and pre-baseline experiences. HIV transmission and risk behaviors had not been reduced by multiple rounds of VCT. Reasons behind apparent ineffectiveness and tailored repeated testing strategies need to be investigated.

Perceived empathy of service providers mediates the association between perceived discrimination and behavioral intention to take up HIV antibody testing again among men who have sex with men

HIV antibody testing is a key measure of HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM). The World Health Organization recommends sexually active and at-risk MSM to take up HIV antibody testing regularly. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of behavioral intention to take up HIV antibody testing in the next six months among Hong Kong MSM who were ever-testers. An anonymous cross-sectional survey recruited 326 MSM who had taken up HIV antibody testing from gay-friendly venues and internet in Hong Kong. Of the participants, 40.8% had had unprotected anal intercourse with regular or non-regular male sex partners in the last six months; they were at risk of HIV transmission despite experience in HIV antibody testing. Only 37.2% showed a strong intention to take up HIV antibody testing again in the next six months. Adjusted analysis showed that both perceived discrimination toward Hong Kong MSM (AOR = .60, 95% CI: .36–.98) and the CARE Measure assessing perceived empathy of service providers (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08) were significantly associated with intention for retesting. Perceived discrimination, however, became statistically non-significant (AOR = .68, 95% CI: .41–1.14), when both CARE Measure and perceived discrimination entered into the adjusted model. It is warranted to increase HIV retesting rate by removing perceived discrimination and reducing the negative effect of perceived discrimination through enhancement of empathy of service providers.

Psychosocial correlates of HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Italy: a cross-sectional study

The objective of this study was to understand the psychosocial correlates of men having sex with men (MSM) who have never been tested (never testers), MSM who have been tested in the last 12 months (recent testers), and MSM who have been tested before (remote testers). A sample of 14,409 Italian HIV-negative adult MSM was recruited via instant messages to the members of five international commercial websites and through clickable banner advertisements on different websites. The most important correlates of never testers compared to recent testers were younger age, sexual orientation concealment, unawareness of free HIV services, having had a partner of unknown serostatus, and lower levels of HIV testing self-efficacy (i.e. the belief in one’s own ability to get a test for HIV). The most important correlates of remote testers compared to recent testers were older age, homosexual orientation, having had a partner of unknown serostatus, unawareness of free HIV services, and lower level of HIV testing self-efficacy. There are different psychosocial correlates of MSM based on HIV testing history. Based on the findings of this study, prevention efforts should be directed toward increasing awareness about the availability of HIV testing services and HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM.

Prevalence and associated factors of intention to participate in HIV voluntary counseling and testing for the first time among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong, China

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the prevalence and associated factors of men who have sex with men (MSM) and had never participated in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) but intended to do so in the next six months.

METHOD

An anonymous cross-sectional survey interviewed 577 MSM in Hong Kong, China, face-to-face or through an electronic questionnaire.

RESULTS

We identified 245 MSM who had never participated in VCT (never-testers), among whom 12.7% intended to do so in the next six months. Factors associated positively with high behavioral intention were: 1) perceived necessity to participate in HIV test regularly (multivariate odds ratios (ORm)=4.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30-15.83), 2) perception that >20% of the local MSM had participated in VCT (ORm=17.86, 95% CI: 1.89-169.08) and 3) perceived higher chance to have sex with people living with HIV (PLWH) in the next six months (ORm=2.92, 95% CI: 1.08-7.93). Negatively associated factors were: local residency (ORm=0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.34) and perceived higher chance of having unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the next six months (ORm=0.27, 95% CI: 0.09-0.84). In addition, no interaction term between the independent variable and UAI status was found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Many sampled never-testers had low intention to take up VCT and were in the pre-contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model. Stage-matched promotions are warranted.

HIV-untested men who have sex with men in South Africa: the perception of not being at risk and fear of being tested

A community-based needs assessment among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa found that 27 % (n = 280/1,045) of MSM had never been tested for HIV. The most frequently reported reasons for not having been tested were the perception of not being at risk (57 %) and fear of being tested (52 %). This article explores factors associated with these two reasons among the untested MSM. In multiple logistic regressions, the perception of not being at risk of HIV infection was negatively associated with being black, coloured or Indian, being sexually active, knowing people living with HIV, and a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past 24 months (adj. OR = .24, .32, .38, and .22, respectively). Fear of being tested for HIV was positively associated with being black, coloured or Indian, preferred gender expression as feminine, being sexually active, a history of STIs, and experience of victimization on the basis of sexual orientation (adj. OR = 2.90, 4.07, 4.62, 5.05, and 2.34, respectively). Results suggest that HIV prevention programs directed at South African MSM will be more effective if testing and treatment of STIs are better integrated into HIV testing systems. Finally, social exclusion on the basis of race and sexual orientation ought to be addressed in order to reach hidden, at-risk, populations of MSM.

Changes in sexual behaviors among HIV-infected individuals after their HIV diagnosis in a rural prefecture of Eastern China

OBJECTIVE

To describe changes in sexual behaviors among HIV-infected individuals after their HIV diagnosis.

METHODS

All HIV-infected individuals diagnosed by the end of 2009 in Taizhou Prefecture were invited to participate in this 12-month prospective study. Assessments including the total number and types of sexual contacts, and condom use details for up to their most familiar eight sexual contacts were collected both at enrollment and 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

262 HIV-infected individuals were eligible for analysis. The total number of sexual contacts reported by participants was 4,017, 1,496 and 356 during the 12- month period prior to HIV diagnosis (T1), the 12-month period prior to the baseline survey (T2), and the 12-month follow-up period (T3), respectively. The difference in the number of sexual contacts between T2 and T1 was -5 in median (IQR -1, -14), and the difference between T3 and T2 was 0 in median (IQR: 0, -6). A larger proportion of spousal or long-term heterosexual contact was reported from T1(27.7%) to T2(42.5%) to T3(76.1%), whereas a smaller proportion of commercial heterosexual contacts was reported from T1 (48.6%) to T2 (33.2%) to T3 (7.0%) as well as a smaller proportion of non-commercial casual homosexual contacts was reported from T2 (8.4%) to T3 (3.8%).The proportion of consistent condom use increased significantly from T1 (9.3%) to T2 (35.3%) to T3 (91.5%).

CONCLUSION

Sexual behaviors did not change in a uniform manner for the participants in our study. Sexual behaviors and sexual networks vis-à-vis HIV diagnosis and follow-up were associated with the participant's characteristics and HIV infection and treatment status. The overall lesson is that individuals who are unaware of their HIV infection are the main drivers of secondary transmission. Early identification of HIV infection and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are both key strategies to the control and prevention.

Impact of rapid HIV testing on the return rate for routine test results in sexually transmitted infection testing centres

To strengthen HIV screening in the French West Indies (FWI), we evaluated the feasibility of rapid tests in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing centres. Rapid testing was offered to each user ahead of the standard screening tests. Between October 2007 and December 2008, 847 users had HIV rapid testing, and 1724 users did not have rapid testing. The results of rapid testing were returned to 99.1% of testers. However, clients who underwent rapid testing were significantly more likely than others to have not returned to get the results of their standard screening tests (for HIV and other STIs): 27.4% versus 14.0% with a relative risk of 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67-2.30, P < 0.0001). Rapid HIV testing has the capacity to reduce the return rates for confirmatory results of HIV testing and other STIs.

Factors that affect HIV testing and counseling services among heterosexuals in Canada and the United Kingdom: an integrated review

OBJECTIVE

To examine factors that affect the utilization of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services among heterosexual populations in Canada and the U.K.

METHODS

We conducted an integrated review of published and unpublished literature (1996-September 2010) using Scopus, OVID-EMBASE, CSA illumina, CINHAL, PROQuest, Web of Science, and Google.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified and categorized the key factors into three broad categories depending on their source. Personal-related factors included socio-demographic characteristics, risk perception, illness, HIV-related stigma, level of HIV and testing knowledge, and culture. Provider-related factors included provider-recommended HIV testing, provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and doctor-patient relationship. System-related factors included integrating HIV testing with other health care services, anonymity of testing services, suitability of testing venues, technical aspects of HIV testing, and funding for immigrant health services.

CONCLUSION

The findings from our review indicate that HTC behaviors of heterosexuals in the Canada and the U.K. are likely influenced by several unchangeable (socio-demographic characteristics) and amenable factors. There is need to step-up research to confirm whether these associations are causal using stronger research designs. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: We have made several recommendations that could be used to improve existing services in Canada.

HIV testing behaviors among female sex workers in Southwest China

Despite the recognized importance of HIV testing in prevention, care and treatment, HIV testing remains low in China. Millions of female sex workers (FSW) play a critical role in China's escalating HIV epidemic. Limited data are available regarding HIV testing behavior among this at-risk population. This study, based on a cross-sectional survey of 1,022 FSW recruited from communities in Southwest China, attempted to address the literature gap. Our data revealed that 48% of FSW ever took HIV testing; older age, less education, working in higher-income commercial sex venues and better HIV knowledge were associated with HIV testing. Those who never took HIV testing were more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors including inconsistent condom use with clients and stable partners. A number of psychological and structural barriers to testing were also reported. We call for culturally appropriate interventions to reduce HIV risks and promote HIV testing for vulnerable FSW in China.

HIV-testing behavior among young migrant men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China

Previous studies suggested a rapid increase of HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China in recent years, from 0.4% in 2004 to 5.8% in 2006. However, some MSM had never been tested for HIV. In order to expand the accessibility to HIV testing, understanding HIV-testing behavior and barriers among MSM is important. Using data collected from 307 young migrant MSM (aged 18-29 years) in 2009 in Beijing, we aimed to identify psychological and structural barriers to HIV testing. MSM were recruited through peer outreach, informal social networks, Internet outreach, and venue-based outreach. Participants completed a confidential self-administered questionnaire. Results show that about 72% of MSM ever had an HIV test. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the HIV-testing behavior was associated with sexual risk behaviors (e.g., multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use for anal sex) and history of sexually transmitted diseases. Eighty four MSM (28%) who never had an HIV test reported that the psychological barriers mainly were perceived low risk of HIV infection and fears of being stigmatized. The structural barriers reported inconvenience of doing test and lack of confidentiality. Future HIV prevention programs should be strengthened among MSM to increase their awareness of HIV risk. Efforts are needed to increase access to quality and confidential HIV testing among MSM and reduce stigma against MSM.

Routine, rapid HIV testing

HIV testing identifies HIV-positive persons, allowing for reduced future HIV transmission while simultaneously providing policy makers with surveillance data to inform policy planning. If current costs of HIV testing were reduced, these funds could be redirected to increase testing rates or to expand treatment. The cost of testing is lowered and impact increased if noninvasive (oral and urine), rapid-testing modalities are utilized, pretest counseling uses cost-efficient counseling methods (e.g., video, pamphlets, small group discussions), and opt-out consent strategies are implemented while posttest counseling is more narrowly targeted to HIV-positive persons. Rather than relying on one international standard, customizing HIV testing procedures to local environments may be more efficient and effective. In the United States, laboratories with substantial HIV testing revenues are likely to be most resistant to altering current practices. However, AIDS researchers, policy makers, and advocates may dramatically influence the epidemic's course by encouraging flexibility and innovation in HIV-testing guidelines.

Magnitude and determinants of first-time and repeat testing among individuals with newly diagnosed HIV infection between 2000 and 2001 in Alberta, Canada: results from population-based laboratory surveillance

The purpose of the study was to determine the magnitude and predictors of first-time and repeat testing for HIV infection among newly diagnosed cases in Alberta, Canada, and to determine the extent of co-infection with hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV). Using the Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (PLPH) database, all newly diagnosed HIV cases in Alberta between 2000 and 2001 were identified and the testing history for HIV, HCV, and HBV among these cases since 1992 was reviewed. Significant differences in the characteristics of first-time and repeat testers were identified using the chi test, and where appropriate, the Fisher exact test. The independent variables examined included age, gender, risk factors, area and population of residence, testing agency, and co-infection with HCV and HBV. Logistical regression analyses were conducted to further explore independent factors associated with first-time vs. repeat testing for HIV infection. Of the 398 cases, 278 (69.8%) were newly diagnosed at their first test for HIV infection, 73.1% during 2000 and 67.3% during 2001 (P = 0.81). Among repeat testers, the mean number of previous negative tests was 3.4 (range = 2-11 tests). The median interval between the last negative and first positive test was 648 days (range = 53-2678 days). Repeat testers were 1.9 times more likely to be injecting drug users and 1.8 times more likely to reside in Northern Alberta. Among those with a laboratory test result in the PLPH database, 53.7% were positive for HCV, 47.7 and 64.5% of first-time and repeat testers, respectively; and 19.1% were positive for HBV, 22 and 13.6% of first-time and repeat testers, respectively. A high proportion of HIV cases newly diagnosed between 2000 and 2001 in Alberta had no previous testing history for HIV infection. Even among repeat testers, HIV testing was sought infrequently. There are significant regional differences within Alberta in the characteristics of the HIV epidemic and associated test-seeking behaviors. These data reinforce the need to make the most of each test-seeking event with proper counseling and other relevant support services. Given the high prevalence of co-infection with HCV, these results clearly support the need for testing and counseling strategies to take into account additional risks associated with HCV infections.

Prevention for substance-using HIV-positive young people: telephone and in-person delivery

SUMMARY

HIV risky behaviors and health practices were examined among young people living with HIV (YPLH) in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York over 15 months in response to receiving a preventive intervention. YPLH aged 16 to 29 years (n = 175; 26% black and 42% Latino; 69% gay men) were randomly assigned to a 3-module intervention totaling 18 sessions delivered by telephone, in person, or a delayed-intervention condition. Intention-to-treat analyses found that the in-person intervention resulted in a significantly higher proportion of sexual acts protected by condoms overall and with HIV-seronegative partners. Pre- and postanalyses of YPLH in the delayed-intervention condition alone found that YPLH tended to have fewer sexual partners, used fewer drugs, reported less emotional distress, and decreased their use of antiretroviral therapies. Prevention programs can be delivered in alternative formats while retaining efficacy. When YPLH are using hard drugs, drug treatment may be needed before delivery of preventive interventions.

Cost comparison of three HIV counseling and testing technologies

BACKGROUND

In the United States, more than 2 million human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody tests are performed annually at publicly funded HIV counseling and testing (CT) clinics. Clients do not receive results from one third of these tests because of low return rates. New rapid-testing technologies may improve receipt of results, but no study has systematically analyzed the costs of these newer technologies compared with the standard protocol.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate and compare the economic costs associated with three HIV CT protocols: the standard protocol and the one-step and two-step rapid protocols.

METHODS

A cost analysis model was developed in 2002 to calculate the intervention costs for HIV CT services with the standard CT protocol and the one-step and two-step rapid-test protocols for a hypothetical client in a publicly funded HIV clinic. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ascertain the effects of uncertainty in the model parameters.

RESULTS

The one-step rapid protocol was generally the least expensive of the three protocols. The standard protocol cost less than the two-step protocol per HIV-positive client notified of his or her HIV status, but cost more per HIV-negative client. The sensitivity analysis indicated overlap in the cost estimates for HIV-negative clients, reflecting the generally similar costs of the three testing protocols. Taking into account HIV seroprevalence, the two-step rapid protocol would be less expensive than the standard protocol for most publicly funded testing programs in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid test protocols offer economic advantages as well as convenience, compared to the standard testing protocol. The cost estimates presented here should prove helpful to HIV program managers and other public health decision makers who need information on these counseling and testing technologies.

Evaluating the impact of criminal laws on HIV risk behavior

Criminal law is one of the regulatory tools being used in the United States to influence risk behavior by people who have HIV/AIDS. Several different types of laws have been or could be used in this way These include: