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Mullens AB, Daken K, Lemoire J, Brownlow C, Driver G, Gow J. HIV Point of Care Testing (PoCT) at Late-Night Sex on Premises Venues (SOPV) for Gay and Bisexual Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (GBMSM): A Mixed Methods Analysis. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:450-466. [PMID: 30982103 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02500-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish 'proof of concept' for a novel approach to HIV and STI testing at a sex on premises venue (SOPV) for gay and bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) during late night group sex theme parties. A mixed-methods approach was used, and the study aimed to: (1) Build upon existing SOPV funded service delivery and establish 'proof of concept' for this unique setting within an SOPV; (2) evaluate the uptake and feasibility/acceptability of routine HIV/STI testing for GBMSM during theme parties in SOPV; and (3) identify beliefs/perceptions regarding this health promotion activity and venue suitability. The characteristics of patrons utilising PoCT (Point of Care Testing) were established to help further reach potentially stigmatised, highly sexually adventurous GBMSM. The findings support further PoCT endeavours within MSM communities to target harder to reach communities to reduce the rate of new transmissions of HIV. Findings can inform future health promotion, screening and interventions, as well as to identify a successful method to engage harder to reach GBMSM that need further focused targeting for HIV and STI testing to reduce transmission.
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Mullens AB, Duyker J, Brownlow C, Lemoire J, Daken K, Gow J. Point-of-care testing (POCT) for HIV/STI targeting MSM in regional Australia at community 'beat' locations. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:93. [PMID: 30711001 PMCID: PMC6359847 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-3899-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovative health promotion strategies are needed to improve access to HIV testing among regional people in Australia, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM). This project aimed to establish proof of concept for point-of-care-testing (POCT) via a mobile van clinic at community 'beat' locations. Surveys evaluated client satisfaction, characteristics and testing preferences among 'early adopters'. Sequential mixed-methods approach was used which included secondary qualitative analysis of field notes written by peer-testers (i.e., trained lay providers from the key population being targeted; to extend the contextualise the pilot evaluation), documenting barriers/facilitators and innovations, per action research and to guide recommendations for future health promotion initiatives. METHODS A POCT 'proof of concept' project (2, 3-hourly sessions/week; 20 weeks) was delivered in a regional town by peer-testers using a mobile clinic van, recruited by geosocial 'apps' targeting MSM. Clients completed surveys regarding demographics, and testing satisfaction, frequency and preferences. Peer-testers completed detailed field notes for each session including client characteristics and impressions, salient events, concerns and recommendations. RESULTS The program resulted in 34 online health promotion conversations with MSM and 34 POCT tests (19 HIV, 15 Syphilis; 18 unique client visits; 17 identified as MSM, with 1 heterosexual female. Rates of satisfaction among early adopters of POCT was high. Analysis of field notes revealed three major themes: 1) Practical challenges; 2) Barriers to engagement; and 3) Recruitment method/project promotion. CONCLUSIONS Amongst early adopters satisfaction was high, with 47% of clients reported infrequent testing (over 12 months ago) or having 'never tested'. No tests were reactive. Challenges associated with this health promotion initiative and recommendations for future HIV testing promotion and programs were outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology & Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich, QLD, 4305, Australia. .,School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.
| | - Josh Duyker
- Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla St, East Brisbane, QLD, 4169, Australia
| | - Charlotte Brownlow
- School of Psychology & Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Main St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Jime Lemoire
- Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla St, East Brisbane, QLD, 4169, Australia
| | - Kirstie Daken
- School of Psychology & Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich, QLD, 4305, Australia
| | - Jeff Gow
- School of Commerce, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Main St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia.,School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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Driver G, Debattista J, Gu Z, Lemoire J, Hooper J. HIV testing within the African community using home-based self collection of oral samples. Aust N Z J Public Health 2017; 41:446. [PMID: 28245516 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhihong Gu
- Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
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