Background
In Arizona, the Hispanic population faces significant barriers to accessing HIV testing services due to stigma, cultural insensitivity, and limited healthcare access. These challenges have led to low testing rates in Hispanic communities. To address this, we implemented a status-neutral HIV screening service integrated into routine health screenings offered by Mobile Health Units (MHUs) operating across Arizona. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and population impact of this intervention on HIV testing uptake and to model its potential for scalability and long-term sustainability.
Methods
We designed a status-neutral health screening service that includes cardiovascular, diabetes, and HIV testing. The model we applied helps to reduce stigma and improve HIV testing rates for Hispanic and other hard-to-reach populations in Arizona. We analyzed the data collected from our intake forms through October 2022 to March 2022 using both MHUs. The intake forms captured demographic information, HIV risk factors, and testing results. Additionally, population impact was modeled using data on first-time testers, uptake among high-risk populations, and improvement in linkage to Comprehensive Preventive Services (CPS).
Results
During the study period, 2,050 HIV tests were administered, with 84% of participants being first-time testers and 78% identifying as Hispanic. After adopting a status-neutral testing service, HIV testing rates increased from 16% to 77% for the Phoenix team and from 17% to 73% in the Tucson team. With the ability to be mobile and applying a status-neutral screening service it allows us to provide services to 13 different counties across Arizona, improving HIV testing rate, HIV awareness, and access/knowledge of CPS.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that integrating HIV testing into routine health screenings via MHUs is an effective strategy for increasing testing rates and reducing HIV transmission in underserved populations. The status-neutral approach not only reduces stigma but also proves to be effective and scalable. These results support the expansion of similar programs in other regions with high HIV prevalence and low testing rates, particularly among marginalized populations.
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