1290. Community Screening and Education for HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) infection in South Texas with Rapid Point of Care Testing and a Mobile Phone Application (app)

Abstract

BackgroundHIV and HCV infection cause considerable morbidity and mortality if untreated. The southern United States has the highest burden of new HIV diagnoses nationwide. Approximately 60% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States is due to HCV. HCC incidence rates are the fastest growing among all cancers in Texas (TX). We aimed to use community screening events to provide additional diagnostic opportunities and surveillance data for HIV/HCV and to evaluate an HIV/HCV app to optimize public health education and prevention.MethodsTwo community HIV/HCV screening/education events occurred in April 2019 in the border city of Laredo, TX (at a community park) and San Antonio, TX (on a university campus). Those screened for HIV/HCV using point of care rapid tests completed a demographic and risk factor questionnaire. HIV/HCV education was offered to attendees via an app with a teach-back feature to assess short-term knowledge gains in specific areas: HIV and HCV cure, body organ impacted by HCV, HCV transmission, HCV symptoms.ResultsAttendees: Laredo event—approximately 260 people; San Antonio event approximately 100 people. 60 people were screened for HIV and HCV. 77% were Hispanic, 63% were female, 68% were 18–25 years old, 63% reported not having a primary care provider. One HCV seroreactive case was identified and linked to care. The most commonly reported risk factors were having tattoos (43%) and body piercing (37%). Other risk factors included street drug use (12%), home finger stick blood checks (12%), dental surgery outside the United States (12%). Fifty-three people utilized the HIV/HCV education app. 91% correctly identified that HIV cannot be cured, 87% correctly identified that HCV impacts the liver and that a test can confirm HCV infection. 81% correctly identified how HCV can be transmitted and 79% corrected identified that HCV can be cured. The app was rated 4.8/5, as “very useful” on a Likert scale.ConclusionFeatures of those screened included not being engaged in primary care, having risk factors for both HCV and HIV infection and the majority being young adults. The HIV/HCV mobile phone app was an acceptable education tool for those who utilized it. Appropriately developed and implemented apps can be effective in teaching key knowledge points about HIV/HCV infection.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.