Feasibility and acceptability of a systematic offer of HIV rapid testing to Family Planning Centers visitors by non-physician professionals in France.

Abstract

BackgroundThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic remains active among women in Europe, with significant missed opportunities for HIV testing. Although HIV testing falls within the scope of Family Planning Centers (FPCs), it is often not offered. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of systematically offering HIV rapid testing by non-physician professionals, independent of medical appointments, to visitors and accompanying persons in FCPs.MethodsIn September 2020, three FPCs in the Paris region were selected for a 6-month pilot based on high local HIV diagnosis rates among women and the absence of an existing HIV rapid testing offer. A dedicated midwife coordinated a certified training course for non-physician professionals, including group discussions on obstacles and facilitators for offering HIV rapid testing, education on HIV and the use of HIV rapid tests, and the development of procedures, including a standardized HIV questionnaire, to systematically offer HIV rapid testing. We measured participation rates in the study and acceptability of the HIV rapid testing offer. We analyzed visitor characteristics, HIV risk factors and knowledge about HIV.ResultsAll non-physician professionals across the three FPCs were trained. HIV rapid testing was systematically offered to 261 incoming visitors and accompanying persons from September 2020 to March 2021: 93% completed the questionnaire, and 91% accepted the HIV rapid testing offer; 63% reported prior HIV risk behaviors. Visitors born in North Africa had the least knowledge about HIV. Twenty-two visitors declined the testing offer, citing recent HIV testing, no perceived lack of risk, feeling unprepared, or fear of the outcome.ConclusionThe results demonstrate the feasibility and strong acceptability of systematically offering HIV rapid testing by non-physician professionals in large urban FPCs. Extending this approach to include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening could be beneficial.