Preferred HIV testing services and programme characteristics among clients of a rapid HIV testing programme

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the current context of diversity and coexistence of HIV testing approaches, limited information exists on test recipient's views of HIV testing services and programme attributes that could ease the testing process and make it more appealing for at risk individuals who don't know their HIV status. This study analyzed ratings given to different testing sites and programme characteristics that might facilitate testing. METHODS: We analyzed data from 3120 persons attending a mobile HIV testing programme located on a central street in the gay district of Madrid. RESULTS: 64% were men (of which, 55% had had sex with other men), 59.5% were <30 years, 35.4% foreigners, 50.6% had a university degree,71.7% a regular employment, 59.3% reported multiple partners and inconsistent condom use and 56.5% had been tested for HIV. Non Governmental Organizations and specific HIV/STI centres received the maximum rating from over 60% of participants, followed by self-testing (38.9%). Pharmacies (20.8%) and hospital emergency departments (14.2%) were the worst valued testing sites. Over 80% gave the highest rating to having immediate test results, not needing a previous appointment, and free testing, while less than 50% gave the maximum rating to privacy and anonymity. CONCLUSIONS: HIV testing services that don't require an appointment, based on free tests with rapid results are most valued by a young, not socially marginalized but high risk sexual exposure population. On the contrary, issues traditionally highly valued by health care providers or AIDS social organizations (privacy and anonymity) are much less valued.