Suboptimal HIV/STI testing uptake has a profound impact on morbidity and
mortality. Incentives have been effective in other areas of medicine and may
improve HIV/STI testing uptake rates. This study reviewed the effects of
incentives on HIV/STI testing uptake. A systematic search of seven databases was
undertaken. Testing uptake was defined as test implementation and/or test result
retrieval. Incentives were defined as monetary or non-monetary rewards or
free-of-charge testing vouchers. Seven studies were included. All seven studies
demonstrated higher rates of uptake in an incentivized group. Incentives offered
at a nonclinical setting demonstrated more significant differences in uptake
rates compared to incentives offered at a clinical setting. Incentivizing
HIV/STI testing uptake, especially testing at a non-clinical setting, may be a
useful tool to modify health behavior. Further research is needed to understand
how incentives could be an effective component within a comprehensive HIV/STI
control strategy.
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