Who fails to return within 30 days after being tested positive for HIV/STI in a free testing centre?

Abstract

Background Some patients who test positive for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) fail to return for results and treatment. To target improvement actions, we need to find out who these patients are. This study aimed to explore factors associated with failure to return within 30 days (FTR30) after testing among patients with positive results in a free STI testing centre in Paris. Methods All patients with at least one positive result between October 2016 and May 2017 and who completed a self-administered questionnaire were included in this cross-sectional study (n = 214). The questionnaire included sociodemographic factors, sexual behaviour and history of testing. Factors associated with FTR30 were assessed using logistic regression models. Results More than two-thirds of patients were men (72%), and the median age of patients was 27 years. Most patients were born in metropolitan France (56%) or in sub-Saharan Africa (22%). Men who had sex with men represented 36% of the study population. The FTR30 rate was 14% (95% CI [10–19%]). In multivariate analysis, previous HIV testing in younger persons (aOR: 3.36, 95% CI [1.27–8.84]), being accompanied by another person at the pretest consultation (aOR: 3.45, 95% CI [1.36–8.91]), and lower self-perceived risk of HIV infection (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI [1.07–7.30]) were associated with a higher FTR30. Testing for chlamydia/gonorrhoea without presumptive treatment was associated with a lower FTR30 (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI [0.07–0.59]). Conclusions These factors that affect failure to return are related to the patient’s representations and involvement in the STI screening process. Increasing health literacy and patient empowerment could help to decrease failure to return after being tested positive for HIV/STI. Trial registration Not applicable.

Risk factors for treatment non-completion among patients with syphilis

“…Previous studies have not found any demographic factors significantly associated with likelihood of STI treatment completion. 5 , 9 While a retrospective review is unable to determine the reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU), these findings may reflect greater awareness and less stigma around STIs among younger 10 or non-heterosexual 11 patients, and private insurance may represent a proxy for patients who have the financial means to return for treatment or maintain a telephone for result notification.…”

Patterns and correlates of hepatitis C virus phylogenetic clustering among people living with HIV in Australia in the direct‐acting antiviral era: A molecular epidemiology study among participants in the CEASE cohort

“…Markers of material and social privilege, such as completing higher education, and phylogenetic clustering between people living with HCV/HIV co‐infection suggest the need to tailor HCV prevention messaging in Australia to very specific population demographic groups. Further, people with lower levels of education may have lower levels of health literacy, 52 resulting in fewer of them presenting to services to get tested or treated, 53 and being underrepresented in studies such as this. This may result in phylogenetic clustering being skewed towards people with higher levels of education due to them presenting to services more frequently.…”

“…specific population demographic groups. Further, people with lower levels of education may have lower levels of health literacy,52 resulting in fewer of them presenting to services to get tested or treated,53 and being underrepresented in studies such as this. This may result in phylogenetic clustering being skewed towards people with higher levels of education due to them presenting to services more frequently.…”

Suboptimal Follow-Up on HIV Test Results among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Community-Based Study in Two U.S. Cities

“…Studies among MSM in other countries found that 5–11% of MSM had failure-to-return for HIV test results [ 19 , 22 ]. Prior literature reveals significant correlates of failure-to-return for HIV test results, including perceived risk of HIV infection, inconsistent condom use, and certain demographic characteristics such as male gender, young age, unemployment, rural residence, and low educational attainment [ 19 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Although these studies provide salient insights into factors associated with failure-to-return for HIV test results, few studies assessed relevant psychosocial determinants and their effects on HIV prevention uptake.…”