Piloting HIV rapid testing in community-based settings in Estonia.
Kristi Rüütel1, Valentina Ustina, R David Parker
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Drug Abuse Prevention, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia. kristi.ruutel@tai.ee
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
|September 27, 2012
Summary
Community-based HIV rapid testing effectively reaches high-risk individuals in Estonia, increasing awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status. This approach identifies undiagnosed cases, particularly among those engaging in injecting drug use.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Community Health
Background:
- An estimated 30% of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals in the European Union remain unaware of their status.
- Community-based testing (CBT) models are crucial for improving HIV testing uptake.
- Targeting high-risk populations is essential for effective HIV prevention and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of HIV rapid testing within community-based settings in Estonia.
- To identify non-clinical recruitment venues for individuals at higher risk of HIV infection.
- To assess the utility of rapid testing in reaching populations often missed by traditional healthcare services.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Participants were recruited via convenience sampling from a syringe exchange program and gay-oriented venues.
- Data on socio-demographics and testing preferences were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, with HIV rapid testing conducted using the Determine HIV-1/2 system.
Main Results:
- The study achieved a high participation rate of 88.3%, enrolling 308 individuals.
- Fifty-eight preliminary positive HIV cases were identified, with 52 reporting recent injecting drug use and 30 having no prior HIV test.
- A significant preference for rapid HIV testing (approximately 45%) was observed, compared to full blood tests (25%).
Conclusions:
- HIV rapid testing in community-based settings is a viable strategy in Eastern Europe.
- This approach effectively reaches individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors.
- Community-based rapid testing enhances awareness of HIV status among undiagnosed populations.
