Slow diffusion of home HIV-specimen collection - Provider concerns at oddswith client preferences

Background: Home specimen collection and telephone counseling (HSCTC) may b e a convenient new method for detection of HIV infection among cohorts at h igh-risk for HIV. Goal: To evaluate attitudes about HSCTC among participants, HN counselors, and community advisory board members associated with a national multisite s tudy of persons at high risk for HIV. Study Design: Twelve focus groups and surveys were conducted at six sites a mong 126 counselors, community advisory board members, and cohort participa nts. Results: Staff and community advisory board members raised concerns about t he acceptability, feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of HSCTC. In contr ast, participants (92%) reported a willingness to collect blood and oral sa mples on a frequent basis, and preferred telephone (73%) to office-based co unseling. Conclusion: Home specimen collection and telephone counseling appear to be preferred by study participants at high risk of HIV infection. Staff and co mmunity advisory board members had stronger reservations than prospective u sers.