P84 National hiv testing week 3: finding the hard to reach and building on success. (18th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Astill, Natasha; McCusker, Pat; Smith, Abigail; Sowerbutts, Hannah; Doyle, Tom; Hirst, Jeni; Serbeh, Jacqui; Schoeman, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 91(2015)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A43
• Page End: A43
• Publication Date: 2015-05-18
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052126.127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Background/introduction: The third National HIV Testing Week (NHTW) was in November 2014. Aims: To build on our previous success of testing the most-at-risk populations (MARP), focusing on outreach. Methods: A third sector organisation, primarily targeting gay communities, provided club and bar outreach and offered point-of-care testing (POCT) on-site and at 2 saunas. A second third sector organisation, targeting African communities, offered POCT at 6 venues, including local markets, an asylum-seeker centre, pharmacies, health centres and an African football match. CASH services offered POCT at 3 clinics across the city. GUM and Leeds City Council staff volunteered to provide outreach and testing support for the 12 different testing sites across the city. Results: 167 people tested (126 in 2013, 94 in 2012). 71% were from MARPs, unchanged from 2013. 1 female black African and 1 MSM tested HIV+ve, the first HIV diagnoses resulting directly from NHTW initiatives in our city. 74% of people who tested were sensitised through community outreach. Over 90% of people tested were given advice on PEP, repeat testing, STI screening and offered condoms. Discussion: Two undiagnosed HIV+ve people were identified as a result of NHTW efforts, and both are now in HIV care. A greater population, including those from MARPs tested. Of the MARPs, a higher percentage were testing for the first time. This may reflect decreased overall testing in MARPs, or that our NHTW 2014 campaign was more successful at reaching and testing people who are less likely to attend more traditional testing sites.