Publication Date
2-1-2023
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume
20
Issue
4
DOI
10.3390/ijerph20043269
Abstract
The rapid implementation of molecular HIV surveillance (MHS) has resulted in significant challenges for local health departments to develop real-time cluster detection and response (CDR) interventions for priority populations impacted by HIV. This study is among the first to explore professionals’ strategies to implement MHS and develop CDR interventions in real-world public health settings. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were completed by 21 public health stakeholders in the United States’ southern and midwestern regions throughout 2020–2022 to identify themes related to the implementation and development of MHS and CDR. Results for the thematic analysis revealed (1) strengths and limitations in utilizing HIV surveillance data for real-time CDR; (2) limitations of MHS data due to medical provider and staff concerns related to CDR; (3) divergent perspectives on the effectiveness of partner services; (4) optimism, but reluctance about the social network strategy; and (5) enhanced partnerships with community stakeholders to address MHS-related concerns. Conclusions: Enhancing MHS and CDR efforts requires a centralized system for staff to access public health data from multiple databases to develop CDR interventions; designating staff dedicated to CDR interventions; and establishing equitable meaningful partnerships with local community stakeholders to address MHS concerns and develop culturally informed CDR interventions.
Funding Number
K23MH118969
Funding Sponsor
National Institutes of Health
Keywords
cluster detection and response, Ending the HIV Epidemic, molecular epidemiology, molecular HIV surveillance, public health, qualitative research
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Social Work
Recommended Citation
Moctezuma Garcia, Samantha Devlin, Jared Kerman, Kayo Fujimoto, Lisa R. Hirschhorn, Gregory Phillips, John Schneider, and Moira C. McNulty. "Ending the HIV Epidemic: Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to Implement Molecular HIV Surveillance to Develop Real-Time Cluster Detection and Response Interventions for Local Communities" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043269
Comments
This is the Version of Record and can also be read online here.