Healthcare providers’ perspective on barriers to optimal HIV index testing: an interview-based study

Name	World Continuing Education Alliance
Activity Title	Healthcare providers’ perspective on barriers to optimal HIV index testing: an interview-based study
Details	Global HIV testing services (HTS) and antiretroviral therapy have seen a substantial scale up. A study conducted in Zambia revealed that index testing coupled with targeted community-led HTS are useful strategies to diagnose men living with HIV. Effective approaches to HIV testing are needed to reach undiagnosed people and link them to HIV care and treatment as part of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals. Understanding barriers to index testing is crucial for planning appropriate interventions to improve HIV testing yield and to provide appropriate care for both index clients and their partners. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the barriers to optimal index testing for improved HIV testing yield in Lusaka, an urban district of Zambia. The specific objectives are: 1) to understand the perceived facilitators and barriers to HIV partner testing from the perspective of the health-care provider; 2) to propose interventions necessary for improved HIV case finding. Objectives Course Objective HIV testing services (HTS) and antiretroviral therapy have seen a substantial scale-up. Poorly targeted HTS have continued to miss people living with HIV who do not know their HIV status. This requires new and targeted approaches to reach undiagnosed people with HIV, such as HIV partner services. The aim of this study was to assess the barriers to optimal index testing for improved HIV testing yield in Lusaka, Zambia.. One-to-one interviews were conducted with index testing providers to explore provider-related and client-related barriers to testing, and document other experiences arising during the process of HIV index testing.
Competence	General Medicine
Start Date	<span class="not-set">(not set)</span>
End Date	<span class="not-set">(not set)</span>
Event Time	03:15 PM
Location	World Continuing Education Alliance eLearning System
Cost (UGX)	0
CPD Points	1