Characteristics of clients newly diagnosed with HIV in central Sydney in 2016–17: a retrospective audit comparing a community-based testing site and a clinical sexual health service
Rebecca Houghton A , Ruthy McIver
A D , Timmy Lockwood A , Karl Johnson B and Rosalind Foster A C
A Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia.
B ACON, 414 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
C The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: ruthy.mciver@health.nsw.gov.au
Sexual Health 17(4) 390-391 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH19152
Submitted: 12 September 2019 Accepted: 1 June 2020 Published: 5 August 2020
Abstract
In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, innovative community-based testing models have been implemented to increase HIV testing among populations at risk. The characteristics of patients newly diagnosed with HIV at a community-based testing site and at a traditional clinical service in Sydney, NSW, were compared. Compared with the clinical service, clients diagnosed at the community-based site were more likely to be diagnosed at their first visit and report no prior HIV test. A high proportion of clients at both sites had a preferred language other than English. Innovative HIV testing models are reaching under-tested populations, but could be further improved.
Additional keywords: community interventions, HIV prevention, HIV testing.
References
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