Title | Oral HIV Self-Implemented Testing: Performance Fidelity Among African American MSM. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Catania, JA, Dolcini, MM, Harper, G, Fortenberry, D, Singh, RR, Jamil, O, Young, AW, Pollack, L, E Orellana, R |
Journal | AIDS Behav |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 395-403 |
Date Published | 02/2020 |
ISSN | 1573-3254 |
Keywords | Adult, 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. |
DOI | 10.1007/s10461-019-02711-5 |
Alternate Journal | AIDS Behav |
PubMed ID | 31732830 |
Grant List | MH105180 / 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 |