AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #269 - ANRS–COM’TESTt: a community-based HIV testing to increase HIV screening frequency in men who have sex with men (MSM)
Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Jean-Marie Le Gall - AIDES
Additional Authors: Mr. Cédric Jacquemin, Ms. Sophie Jean, Mr. Cyril Martin, Ms. Laura Rios, Mr. Olivier Benoit, Ms. Stéphanie Vermoesen, Mr. Bruno Spire, Mr. Yazdan Yazdanpanah,
Aim: Shortening the time between HIV infection and diagnosis is a major public health goal, especially among high-risk populations. ANRS-COM’TEST evaluated community-based HIV testing programs that targeted MSM in non-medical settings.
Method / Issue: ANRS–COM’TEST assessed counseling and rapid HIV testing programs in four French cities, performed by non-healthcare, trained personnel from AIDES, a large French community-based organization (CBO) involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Men who tested positive were referred to HIV clinics for confirmatory test and linkage to care. Demographics, previous HIV-testing history and sexual behavior of participating men were collected with self-completed questionnaires.
Results / Comments: Overall, 532 MSM were tested from 02/2009 to 06/2010. Of these, 368 (70%) have been tested for HIV in the previous two years (median number of HIV tests: 2; IQR=1-4). In the 159 men (30%) not tested in the two-year period, the last test was conducted a median of 3.8 years (IQR=2.9-5.2) before enrollment, and 50 (41%) reported unprotected anal intercourses with HIV positive or unknown HIV status casual partners in the previous six months. Forty-nine (9%) men were tested ≥2 times in the program; the median time between two tests was four months (IQR=2.5-6.7). Fifteen persons tested positive (2.8%), of whom 57% have not been tested in the previous two years. Twelve patients (80%, the other three were lost to follow-up) were linked to care; HIV infection was confirmed and the median CD4 count was 550/mm3 (IQR=484-571).
Discussion: Targeted MSM community-based HIV testing performed by peers in non-medical settings reached men who had been rarely tested before despite HIV exposure, and increased testing frequency in those regularly tested. This strategy may help to diagnose HIV-infection at earlier stages of disease. Results of this study led French decision makers to authorize community-based HIV testing by non-healthcare CBO workers as part of a comprehensive HIV testing strategy.
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