Background: Despite a doubling of HIV testing coverage in Kenya over the past decade, approximately 2 in 10 people with HIV remained unaware of their infection in 2018. HIV testing is most effective in identifying people with undiagnosed HIV through frequent and strategic testing in populations at high risk. An assessment of testing frequency and predictors of first-time and repeat testing is critical for monitoring effectiveness of testing strategies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults aged ≥18 years who tested HIV-positive at 4 HIV testing and counseling clinics in Kenya from February 2015 to February 2016. We categorized individuals based on testing history, used Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to assess differences in intervals between the most recent and current HIV test, and used log-binomial regression to determine characteristics associated with first-time and repeat testing. Results: Among 1136 people testing HIV-positive, 336 (30%) had never tested before and 800 (70%) had, of whom 208 (26%) had previously tested positive. Among previously negative repeat testers, the median intertest interval was 414 days in key/priority populations (interquartile range = 179–1072) vs. 538 in the general population (interquartile range = 228–1299) (P = 0.09). Compared with previously negative repeat testers, being a first-time tester was associated with being age ≥40 years [vs. 18–24; adjusted risk ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23 to 2.26], men (vs. women; adjusted risk ratio = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.71), and testing through provider-initiated testing and counseling (vs. client initiated; 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.40). Conclusions: There is a need to increase HIV testing among older individuals and men, increase testing frequency in key/priority populations, and maintain provider-initiated and facility-based testing to reach first-time testers.

This mixed-methods study examined the health information-seeking behavior of Latino caregivers of people living with dementia. A structured survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Latino caregivers in Los Angeles, California. For triangulation, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with six healthcare and social service providers. The interview transcripts were coded and analyzed via thematic analysis, while the survey data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The results show that caregivers sought information on what changes to expect as dementia progresses. Some desired detailed (limited) information to be better prepared (to worry less). The most common action to address their information needs was searching the Internet. However, those who did this tended to be concerned about the quality of information. Overall, this study sheds light on how much detail Latino caregivers desire in the information they need and the actions they take to obtain this information.

Latinos are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) compared to non-Latino Whites. Family caregivers need access to high-quality information, education, and support. The study objective was to understand the information seeking behavior of Latino caregivers of individuals with ADRD. We conducted qualitative interviews in Los Angeles County with Latino caregivers of individuals with ADRD (N=21) and with healthcare and community stakeholders serving Latinos with ADRD and their caregivers (N=6). Caregivers sought information about ADRD, healthcare services and treatment, available community resources, caregiving skills, and short- and long-term care. Having limited time to seek information, lacking skills to navigate the Internet, and insufficient availability of information created barriers to accessing information. With access to information, caregivers increased their knowledge about ADRD, enrolled the person with ADRD in a memory/dementia clinic, participated in treatment decisions, attended community events, learned how to respond to challenging behaviors, and enrolled in daycare/respite programs. Caregivers experienced barriers to using information due to the insurance and immigration status of the person with ADRD and due to services only being available in English. Our study contributes new knowledge on the accessibility and use of information by Latino caregivers and their unique barriers in transforming information access into meaningful results. Healthcare and community-based providers can use our study findings to tailor informational interventions to the needs and preferences of Latinos and to the unique barriers they face in using information to support their caregiving role.