Piloting HIV rapid testing in community-based settings in Estonia

Abstract

Background: In the European Union it is estimated that up to 30% of HIV-infected people are not aware of their status. Community-based testing (CBT) models are implemented to increase the uptake of HIV testing. Aims: The aim of this project was to assess the feasibility and acceptance of HIV rapid testing in CBT settings in Estonia to identify non-clinical recruitment venues for people more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours. Methods: Participants for this anonymous, cross-sectional study were recruited from a syringe exchange programme and gay-oriented locations using convenience sampling. Socio-demographic and HIV testing preferences data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. HIV rapid testing was performed using Determine HIV-1/2 (Abbott) rapid test system. Results: With a participation rate of 88.3%, this project enrolled 308 persons and identified 58 preliminary positive cases. Out of them, 52 reported injecting drug use in last 12 months and 30 reported no previous HIV test. Approximately 45% of all participants preferred rapid testing while 25% reported a preference for a full blood test. Conclusions: This project demonstrates that HIV rapid testing in community-based settings in Eastern Europe can be an effective approach for reaching people who engage in high-risk behaviours and increasing the number of HIV-infected people who are aware of their status.