Diaz E; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: C335 (abstract no. PoC 4544).
UCSF AIDS Health Project.
ISSUE/PROBLEM: Hard-to-reach populations in the United States, including African-Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, Latinos, Women, Youth, Injection Drug Users, and the Homeless have not sought HIV antibody testing. As a result, people who are at high risk for HIV infection, are not getting tested and entering early intervention programs for medical care and psychosocial support. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: The UCSF AIDS Health Project administers the HIV antibody testing program in San Francisco at six stationary sites. AHP has collaborated with local community agencies to provide "mobile" street-based antibody testing at local community events, street and health fairs, schools, and community centers. These events are presented in a culturally sensitive context by using bilingual staff, linguistically appropriate materials, and outreach workers who are familiar with the targeted population. RESULTS: Since the beginning of our mobile testing program in October, 1990, we have conducted eight mobile events. The percentage of first-time testers (60%) is double the rate of our stationary sites. The percentage of women and ethnic minorities has also increased significantly. A survey of people tested found that the two main factors that encouraged testing were the convenience and anonymity of testing. Half of the respondents also said that they did not know the location of the fixed sites. LESSONS LEARNED: Participants will learn about a creative and exciting approach to bringing HIV testing to the streets to reach populations that have not traditionally accessed health care systems.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Female
- HIV Infections
- Hispanic Americans
- Humans
- Minority Groups
- Research Design
- San Francisco
- United States
Other ID:
UI: 102199962
From Meeting Abstracts