Abstract
Alternative HIV testing strategies are needed to engage individuals not reached by traditional clinical or non-clinical testing programs. A social networks recruitment strategy, in which people at risk for or living with HIV are enlisted and trained by community-based agencies to recruit individuals from their social, sexual, or drug-using networks for HIV testing, demonstrates higher positivity rates compared to other non-clinical recruitment strategies in some jurisdictions. During 2013–2015, a social networks testing protocol was implemented in Wisconsin to standardize an existing social networks testing program. Six community-based, non-clinical agencies with multiple sites throughout the state implemented the protocol over the 2-year period. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The new positivity rate (0.49%) through social networks testing did not differ from that of traditional counseling, testing, and referral recruitment methods (0.48%). Although social networks testing did not yield a higher new positivity rate compared to other testing strategies, it proved to be successful at reaching high risk individuals who may not otherwise engage in HIV testing.
Highlights
Undiagnosed HIV infection is estimated to account for onethird of HIV transmissions in the United States [1]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 15% of HIV-infected individuals are unaware of their infection; proportions of undiagnosed infection are greater among youth ages 13–24 and among racial and ethnic minorities compared to Whites [2]
Among individuals participating in SNT programs, 265 recruiters recruited a median of 3 network associate (NA)
Summary
Undiagnosed HIV infection is estimated to account for onethird of HIV transmissions in the United States [1]. While the proportion of persons unaware of their infection has improved over time, it remains high among some populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 15% of HIV-infected individuals are unaware of their infection; proportions of undiagnosed infection are greater among youth ages 13–24 and among racial and ethnic minorities compared to Whites [2]. The CDC provides financial support and guidance for non-clinical HIV counseling, testing, and referral (CTR) programs, whereby agencies define how their HIV testing services will be made accessible, appealing, appropriate, and culturally relevant to a defined target population. CTR programs use a variety of methods to recruit members of that population to be tested [5]
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