Early Detection Testing for HIV
Overcoming Barriers to HIV Testing
The social stigma surrounding HIV prevents many from seeking the testing and treatment they need to live happy, healthy lives. A clinical research study in AIDS and Behavior explored the barriers to HIV testing in the Deep South and discovered that the top barriers preventing patients from accessing HIV testing included the following:
- Cost of the test
- Not knowing where to seek care
- Not believing they were at risk
- Concerns that it would reflect badly on them
- Concerns that their doctor would show judgment
- Fears of what the testing procedure would be like
- Fears of what the result itself would be like
The top barriers all boil down to two primary issues: a lack of accessible education on the topic and a clear social stigma surrounding HIV. The lack of education creates issues like not knowing the cost, not believing you’re at risk, not knowing where to seek care, and fearing what the procedure would be like. The social stigma creates issues like fearing judgment from society and doctors.
The stigma surrounding HIV testing generally stems from a lack of awareness of the topic. Such misconceptions only place more people in danger of risking their health. So, what are your options?
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once a year, regardless of if they’ve been exposed to the virus.
Acquiring annual tests with barriers like social stigma is a challenge for many. You can take at-home rapid tests to avoid the public aspect of the process.
Can you trust the results of an at-home HIV test? Yes, at-home tests can offer accurate results, assuming you’re within the window period. If you aren’t sure whether you are in the window period for a certain test, visiting an in-person testing center may be a better choice.
You may also seek confidential testing or anonymous testing. At Rapid STD Testing, we offer same-day STD testing with discreet results.