This study aims to understand the barriers to receiving HIV testing and retention of care for at risk and HIV positive young adults. This study also seeks to determine the feasibility and acceptability of HIV testing in a non-clinical setting.
This study aims to identify factors that can facilitate or impede the use of non-clinical HIV testing venues as well as identify potential testing sites and assess acceptability of an HIV prevention intervention. In addition, the study will implement a pilot intervention to test the feasibility non-clinical HIV testing and follow up events for HIV positive youth.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
2
A small survey will be conducted to identify risk factors and assess demographics. Participants will receive psychological support and counseling on reducing risk behavior for one year.
A small survey will be conducted to identify risk factors and assess demographics. Participants with a positive HIV test will receive standard HIV care, support, and guidance from a psychologist and case manager including an assessment of basic needs (food, clothing, shelter), and counseling on risk taking behaviors for one year.
Grady Health System
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Ponce De Leon Center
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Days to Linkage to Care
For participants who test positive, linkage to care is measured as the number of days to seek HIV treatment.
Time frame: Post Diagnosis (Up to 3 months)
Number of medical care visits
For participants who test positive, engagement to care is measured as the number of medical care visits in a six month period after diagnosis. One HIV medical care visit every six months is considered engaged.
Time frame: Post Diagnosis (Up to one year)
Change in CD4 count
A CD4 count is a lab test that measures the number of CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) in a blood sample. A very low CD4 count (less than 200 cells/mm3) is a way to determine whether an HIV infection has progressed. Change is measured as the difference in CD4 count from baseline to the end of the study period.
Time frame: Baseline (Post Diagnosis), One year assessment (Up to one year)
Change in viral load
A viral load test is a lab test that measures the number of HIV virus particles in a milliliter of blood. A high viral load indicates the presence of more HIV within the body. Change is measured as the difference in viral load from baseline to the end of the study period.
Time frame: Baseline (Post Diagnosis), One year assessment (Up to one year)
Rate of venue acceptance
The rate of venue acceptance is measured as the number of venues that allow rapid HIV testing over he number of venues approached.
Time frame: One year assessment (Up to one year)
Rate of study subject acceptance
The rate of study subject acceptance is measured as the number of participants who agree to participate in rapid HIV testing over the number of people approached.
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Time frame: One year assessment (Up to one year)
Change in HIV stigma scale score
The HIV stigma scale is a ten question self report measure that assesses perceived feelings of being stigmatized. Answers are reported on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely). A higher score indicates feelings of greater stigmatization.
Time frame: Baseline (Post Diagnosis), One year assessment (Up to one year)
Change in HIV-AIDS stress scale score
The HIV-AIDS stress scale is a self report measure that assesses perceived emotional stress related to HIV. Answers are reported on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely). A higher score indicates more emotional stress.
Time frame: Baseline (Post Diagnosis), One year assessment (Up to one year)