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Staff strategies for improving HIV detection using mobile HIV rapid testing
Oscar Grusky1, Kathleen Johnston Roberts, Aimee-Noelle Swanson
1School of Public Affairs/Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles, 264 Haines Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1551, USA. grusky@ucla.edu
Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Mobile testing units (MTUs) strategically located near high AIDS rates in Los Angeles County, utilizing client-centered strategies to improve HIV test result return and linkage to care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Background:
- Mobile testing units (MTUs) are crucial for HIV testing in urban areas.
- Rapid HIV testing technology enhances accessibility and efficiency.
- Understanding the spatial distribution of services and client engagement is vital for effective HIV prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the performance of MTUs and rapid HIV testing in Los Angeles County.
- To investigate the relationship between MTU staff cognitive strategies, client return rates, and spatial distribution of MTUs relative to AIDS rates.
- To assess the effectiveness of MTU strategies in facilitating HIV test result retrieval and linkage to care.
Main Methods:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping of 93 MTU testing locations and 2003 AIDS cases.
- Interviews with 45 MTU staff members to identify cognitive strategies.
- Analysis of client reports for HIV-negative and HIV-positive test results.
Main Results:
- MTU testing locations were found to be clustered in areas with high AIDS rates.
- Effective staff strategies included client retention during testing, flexible scheduling, and incentives for return.
- Efforts were made to convert anonymous to confidential testing for improved treatment linkage.
Conclusions:
- GIS findings and client data support the CDC policy of deploying MTUs in high-AIDS urban communities.
- Client-centered strategies employed by MTU staff are essential for successful HIV testing programs.
- The integration of spatial analysis and qualitative data provides valuable insights into optimizing HIV testing services.
