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.

Key words: Rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, college students, outreach HIV testing.