TitleOral HIV Self-Implemented Testing: Performance Fidelity Among African American MSM.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsCatania, JA, Dolcini, MM, Harper, G, Fortenberry, D, Singh, RR, Jamil, O, Young, AW, Pollack, L, E Orellana, R
JournalAIDS Behav
Volume24
Issue2
Pagination395-403
Date Published02/2020
ISSN1573-3254
KeywordsAdult, African Americans, Diagnostic Self Evaluation, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, HIV Infections, Homosexuality, Male, Humans, Male, Mass Screening, Self-Examination, Serologic Tests, Social Stigma
Abstract

Oral-Self Implemented HIV Testing (Oral-SIT) offers a low-cost way to extend the reach of HIV testing systems. It is unclear, however, if high risk populations are able to perform the test with high fidelity. Using a simulation-based research design, we administered desensitized Oral-SIT kits to African American MSM (AAMSM; 17-24 years, N = 178). Participants were HIV negative or never tested, and had never self-administered an Oral-SIT kit. We assessed performance fidelity, and hypothesized antecedents. High levels of social stigma were associated with lower levels of training knowledge (Range = No Errors: 51.9%, 4 Errors: 0.6%) and performance fidelity (Range = No Errors: 39.9%, 3 Errors: 1.7%). Training knowledge and prior testing history were positively associated with performance fidelity. The present work extends research on HIV-related social stigma and suggests that social stigma inhibits knowledge acquisition and task performance. The Oral-SIT training materials were understood by individuals with a wide-range of educational backgrounds. Interventions are needed, however, to further improve Oral-SIT performance fidelity.

DOI10.1007/s10461-019-02711-5
Alternate JournalAIDS Behav
PubMed ID31732830
Grant ListMH105180 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
HD085780 / / Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development /
MH105180 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States