AEGiS-14IAC: Developing a community-based HIV counseling, testing and referral program with the capacity for evaluation and ongoing improvement of outreach services.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Developing a community-based HIV counseling, testing and referral program with the capacity for evaluation and ongoing improvement of outreach services.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11773)

Spielberg F, Perla M, Saldivar E, Harris-Myricks D, Little P, Jackson S, Chaffee F
University of Washington, Seattle, United States

ISSUES: People of color are at increased risk for HIV and are more likely to be diagnosed late. Culturally acceptable community-based HIV counseling, testing and referral may lead to HIV prevention and earlier detection of HIV infection. Academic collaborators may assist community organizations to integrate sustainable evaluation techniques in their programs for ongoing improvement of outreach services.

DESCRIPTION: The People Of Color Against AIDS Network along with coalition members (University of Washington, PHSKC, Consejo, ICHS, NIA) developed the Health On Wheels (HOW) Program to provide free, culturally appropriate HIV prevention counseling, testing, and referral services for at-risk people of color in Seattle/King County. Culturally similar recruiters offer a variety of program options for registration (anonymous, confidential), testing (oral fluid, standard blood), results disclosure (face-to-face, telephone results) and referrals (health care, counseling, social services).

ISSUES: During the first five months HOW successfully reached people of color (87%), people who had never tested (43%), and people with potential HIV exposures since their last test (72%). During this period, 1,672 persons were offered testing, 399 completed testing, 199 received test results, and six cases of HIV were diagnosed. When given options, 55% chose anonymous over confidential testing, 91% chose oral fluid over serum testing, and 71% chose telephone over face-to-face results.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Successful program development included CDC funding which fostered community, academic, and health department collaborations. Weekly meetings developed trust among the collaborators, and led to identification of training needs and culturally sensitive program design. Evaluation capabilities are in place to determine how to improve program services and better reach people of color with HIV counseling and testing in the upcoming year.

Keywords: AEGIS, Counseling, Anonymous Testing, Referral and Consultation, HIV, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Research Design, Social Welfare, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.), HIV Seropositivity, Washington

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