Implementing Multi-Level Interventions to Improve HIV Testing, Linkage-to-and Retention-in-Care Interventions

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The Health Resources and Services Administration initiated a program in 2011 to improve HIV care access for high-risk populations.
• Six state health departments received funding to develop and implement HIV testing, linkage-to-care, and retention-in-care interventions over four years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and compare HIV interventions developed and implemented by state health departments.
• To assess factors influencing the implementation of these interventions.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for linkage and retention in HIV care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with 68 stakeholders involved in intervention development and/or implementation.
• The study focused on interventions aimed at HIV testing, linkage-to-care, and retention-in-care.

Main Results:

• Intervention characteristics and implementation factors varied across states.
• Key barriers and facilitators to linkage and retention in HIV care were identified.
• Lessons learned for improving state-level HIV epidemic response were documented.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer valuable insights for enhancing coordinated state-level strategies in HIV prevention and care.
• The study highlights the importance of understanding implementation dynamics for effective public health interventions.
• Results can inform future initiatives to improve HIV testing, linkage, and retention outcomes.