Use of a rapid HIV home test prevents HIV exposure in a high risk sample of men who have sex with men.
The study assessed whether at-risk HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM) who never or rarely use condoms and have multiple partners would use a rapid, oral fluid, HIV home test (HT) to screen potential sexual partners. Participants received 16 HT kits, were monitored weekly for 3 months, and then interviewed in depth. Twenty-seven ethnically diverse MSM used HT kits before intercourse with approximately 100 partners in private and public spaces. Testing had high acceptability among ethnic minority participants. Ten tested individuals received HIV-antibody positive results. Seven were potential sexual partners, and three were acquaintances of the participants; six of the ten were unaware of their status. No sexual intercourse took place after positive tests. Very few problems occurred. Most participants strongly desired to continue using HT and to buy it freely. HT use results in detection of previously unknown infections. Making HT available within networks where high-risk sexual practices are common may be a cost-efficient and effective prevention method.
HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA. ac72@columbia.edu
Alex
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Carballo-Diéguez
Timothy
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Frasca
Ivan
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Balan
Mobolaji
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Ibitoye
Curtis
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Dolezal
D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D040261:Harm Reduction; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009519:New York City; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012306:Risk; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic