Bathhouse distribution of HIV self-testing kits reaches diverse, high-risk population. (24th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Woods, William J.; Lippman, Sheri A.; Agnew, Emily; Carroll, Scott; Binson, Diane
• Is Part Of: AIDS care. Volume 28(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2016-03-24
• Subjects: HIV self-test -- men who have sex with men -- gay bathhouse; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; 362.1969792
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1146399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We distributed free OraQuick In-home HIV Test® kits to men at a gay bathhouse. Men were systematically selected to receive a coupon, which could be redeemed that night for an HIV self-testing kit. Those offered the coupon were asked to take an 11-item survey. About 181 men received coupons, of whom 92 (51%) accepted the coupon, and 61 (66%) men redeemed the coupon. Those who redeemed test kits and completed a survey ( n = 53) were more ethnically diverse ( χ 2 = 100.69, p < .01) than those receiving the coupon. More than half had not tested in the past 6 months (50%) or never tested (7%). Importantly, men who had never tested or who last tested more than 6 months ago were among those most likely to take the free test kit. We found bathhouse distribution could reach a population of men who have sex with men most in need of improved access to HIV testing. Future studies should consider means of improved follow-up and linkage to care for those who test positive.