The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44153

Donna Futterman, MD¹, Susan Wolfson², Maureen Michaels³, Carol S. Tobkes, MPH¹, Stephen Stafford¹, and Bruce Carlson, MS³. (1) Montefiore Medical Center Adolescent AIDS Program, 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467, (2) SENSEI Health Communications, 355 West 52nd Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10019, (3) Michaels Opinion Research, Inc., 73 Spring Street, Suite 203, New York, NY 10012

Half of all new HIV infections occur in youth under age 25. Studies confirm significant HIV rates among NYC youth. The CDC’s Young Men’s Survey reported a 12% seroprevalence among MSM 15-22 years old, with a rate of 18% among African-American males. Notably, 80% of the HIV+ youth reported not knowing their status. 3/1000 youth entering residential Job Corps programs in NYS are HIV+, with higher rates for females (4/1000) than for males (2/1000). Among young women delivering babies in NYC, 5.1/1000 were HIV+, between ages 10-19 years old, as were 6/1000 between 20-24. Despite these statistics, youth HIV testing is not routine. The Montefiore Adolescent AIDS Program (AAP) began an initiative to increase routine HIV testing of sexually active youth among Bronx-based clinicians. First, a qualitative study with interviews of over 50 providers ascertained practices, obstacles and facilitators to offering HIV testing. Findings indicate barriers such as: mandated procedures elevate HIV testing beyond “routine” care; limited time in clinical settings; provider perception of low risk; provider’s belief they lack the necessary training; and that HIV testing is not a standard of care. The AAP is developing a training program and provider manual that address the identified concerns utilizing academic detailing. The initiative will be evaluated through direct measures (increased testing among trained providers vs. a control group) and indirect measures (provider attitudes, perceived skills and information regarding youth risk). This presentation will review both the provider concerns, as well as the program design, materials, evaluation results and future recommendations.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify barriers that prevent clinical providers from offering HIV counseling and testing to youth as part of routine care.
• Describe a training program designed to increase routine HIV testing for youth.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adolescents

Related Web page: www.AdolescentAIDS.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Montefiore Medical Center Adolescent AIDS Program; SENSEI Health Communications; Michaels Opinion Research
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.