ISSN (Online) : 2277-4572
Author(s): Ritu Chauhan*
Background: Migrants like African American(AA) and Caribbean population in High Income Countries (HIC)have been assessed as being at higher risk for late screening for Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), a disease which can be prevented by adapting necessary safe sexual measures and giving Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in initial stages. Timely diagnosis and treatment initiation plays significant role in optimizing HIV related health outcomes and lower transmission rates. This review aimed to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of different interventions conducted to increase the uptake of HIV testing in our targeted population.
Method: Ovid Medline, Embase, and Central Cochrane were searched on 2 July 2021 and potentially relevant studies identified were undertaken for reference screening. We considered Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and studies conducted after 2008 with interventions to increase HIV testing uptake in AA and Caribbean population in HIC. Screening, data extraction and critical appraisal was conducted by one reviewer.
Finding: In our review 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six various types of interventions were identified conducted in different settings and targeting sub-population like MSM, Transgender and women from AA population. Majority interventions applied behaviour change models and targeted migrants from different ethnicities like Latino, Mexican, Asian and AA population.
Interpretation: Trials implementing multilevel interventions at AA churches and peer/health worker supported interventions through social networking recruitment, prevailed over structural and cultural barriers to show moderate effect estimate. Blending Provider Initiated Testing And Counseling (PITC) with existing primary healthcare settings looks promising and would encourage HIV testing uptake through patient-doctor/health worker relationships among migrant populations.
