Rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing on the college campus: Comparing traditional and outreach models

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services 
on a college campus between a clinic-based group and an outreach-based group. Study participants 
were 1,233 individuals who underwent HIV counseling and testing. Questionnaires assessed 
demographics and HIV transmission risk behaviors. Results indicate that outreach-based testers were 
more likely to be younger, female, and African American relative to clinic-based testers. Overall 100% of 
clinic-based testers and 99.5% of outreach-based testers received their test results. All individuals with 
positive rapid test results received confirmatory blood testing and entered medical care within one 
week of preliminary diagnosis. College campuses may provide a unique setting to deliver HIV testing 
and may help increase the percentage of young people who are aware of their serostatus, particularly 
younger, female, and African American students who may be less likely to undergo testing in traditional 
clinic settings.