title: Ability of a rapid HIV testing site to attract and test vulnerable populations: a cross-sectional study on Actuel sur Rue.
abstract: Quebec's HIV epidemic persists, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) and in Montreal. Increasing access to HIV testing is necessary and community-based rapid testing offers one strategy. This paper examines the clienteles and activities of a rapid HIV testing site in Montreal, the pilot project Actuel sur Rue. Comparative analyses were conducted with 1357 MSM, 147 heterosexual men and 64 women who visited Actuel sur Rue between July 2012 and November 2013 on socio-demographics, health, drug use, sexual practices/infection and HIV testing/prevention. Significant group differences were observed in each category. Actuel sur Rue received 1901 clients, conducted 1417 rapid HIV tests and tested 77 never-tested individuals. Rapid testing produced a high reactive rate (2%). Only 1/28 of those with reactive tests had no previous HIV testing, and 36% had used post-exposure prophylaxis, suggesting missed opportunities for prevention. Findings highlight diverse client vulnerability profiles and the relevance of checkpoints and further prevention efforts.
authors.affiliation: Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Canada Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Canada kimcengler@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Engler
authors.affiliation: Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Canada Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Canada.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rollet
authors.affiliation: Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Canada Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Canada.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lessard
authors.affiliation: Clinique médicale l'Actuel, Canada.
authors.forename: Réjean
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Canada Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Canada Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Canada.
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lebouché
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D035862:Vulnerable Populations
keywords: AIDS; Canada; HIV; MSM; checkpoint; heterosexual men; prevention; rapid test; screening; women