Abstract

GOROSTIZA, Iñigo; ELIZONDO LOPEZ DE LANDACHE, Isabel  and  BRACERAS IZAGIRRE, Leire. HIV/AIDS screening program in community pharmacies in the Basque Country (Spain). Gac Sanit [online]. 2013, vol.27, n.2, pp.164-166. ISSN 0213-9111.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2012.02.010.

Objectives: To describe the outcomes of the pilot program of a rapid HIV antibody screening test offered at Basque pharmacies, the socio-demographic characteristics of users and their acceptance of the test. Methods: Users of a rapid HIV antibody screening test (20 pharmacies) were surveyed. A random sample of 3514 tests (N = 806) performed in 1 year was taken. Statistical analyses included exact tests. Results: There were 806 valid questionnaires. Seven tests were positive (0.85%; 95% confidence interval: 0.34-1.75); five of the users with positive tests were men. The mean age was 36.2 years (standard deviation = 11.0; range: 16-82 years; 70.7% men). Users´ risk behavior was predominantly heterosexual and half of the users (58.6%) had no previous HIV tests. The main reasons for choosing this test were its speed, and the convenience and accessibility of community pharmacies. Conclusions: This new rapid HIV antibody screening test in community pharmacies could supplement other HIV screening programs currently in operation.

Keywords : Screening; AIDS serodiagnostics; HIV antibodies; HIV antigens; Pharmacies; HIV.

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