TY - JOUR
T1 - Preferred Methods of HIV and Sexually Transmissible Infection Screening Delivery among a Rural Sample of Men Who Have Sex with Men
AU - Hubach, Randolph D.
AU - O'Neil, Andrew M.
AU - Stowe, Mollie
AU - Hamrick, Justin
AU - Giano, Zachary
AU - Currin, Joseph M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Copyright 2020, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 2020.
PY - 2020/11
Y1 - 2020/11
N2 - Despite the national HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates growing in rural areas, rural populations - particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), have limited access to secondary (i.e., HIV/STI screening) prevention activities compared with their urban counterparts. We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with 23 rural MSM residing in Oklahoma and Arkansas to assess their (1) experiences with HIV and STI testing; (2) perceptions of at-home testing; and (3) preferences for receiving results and care. Barriers to accessing HIV/STI screening included lack of medical providers within rural communities, privacy and confidentiality concerns, and perceived stigma from providers and community members. To overcome these barriers, all participants recognized the importance of screening paradigms that facilitated at-home screening, medical consultation, and care. This included the ability to request a testing kit and receive results online, to access affirming and competent providers utilizing telemedicine technology, as well as prompt linkage to treatment. These narratives highlight the need for systems of care that facilitate HIV and STI screening within rural communities, which do not require participants to access services at traditional physical venues.
AB - Despite the national HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates growing in rural areas, rural populations - particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), have limited access to secondary (i.e., HIV/STI screening) prevention activities compared with their urban counterparts. We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with 23 rural MSM residing in Oklahoma and Arkansas to assess their (1) experiences with HIV and STI testing; (2) perceptions of at-home testing; and (3) preferences for receiving results and care. Barriers to accessing HIV/STI screening included lack of medical providers within rural communities, privacy and confidentiality concerns, and perceived stigma from providers and community members. To overcome these barriers, all participants recognized the importance of screening paradigms that facilitated at-home screening, medical consultation, and care. This included the ability to request a testing kit and receive results online, to access affirming and competent providers utilizing telemedicine technology, as well as prompt linkage to treatment. These narratives highlight the need for systems of care that facilitate HIV and STI screening within rural communities, which do not require participants to access services at traditional physical venues.
KW - HIV and STI prevention
KW - HIV and STI screening
KW - men who have sex with men
KW - rural health
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85095676142&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1089/apc.2020.0170
DO - 10.1089/apc.2020.0170
M3 - Article
C2 - 33147083
AN - SCOPUS:85095676142
SN - 1087-2914
VL - 34
SP - 470
EP - 476
JO - AIDS Patient Care and STDs
JF - AIDS Patient Care and STDs
IS - 11
ER -