"Minority Perspectives on HIV Molecular Cluster Detection" by Maxwell Richardson, Brendan H. Pulsifer et al.
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Abstract

Background: Responding to HIV clusters detected using molecular data has been shown to reduce transmission and improve testing, treatment, and prevention. However, there are varied opinions about the use of cluster detection activities, and some advocates have raised concerns about patient consent, data security, and the potential for HIV criminalization. Incorporating the perspectives of marginalized populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV is essential to understanding the diversity of those perspectives, yet it is often overlooked in the literature. Thus, our study seeks to highlight the perspectives of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino individuals in the Southern United States on HIV molecular cluster detection.

Methods: Twenty participants identifying as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino were recruited by three community-based organizations that serve these populations in Atlanta, Georgia, in December 2022 and interviewed in four virtual focus groups. Participants were given an introductory presentation on molecular cluster detection and were asked about cluster detection activities.

Results: Our data reveal three primary results. First, most participants were unaware of cluster detection activities, but they expressed both curiosity and excitement about their use. Second, most participants would prefer to receive immediate notification if they were found to be part of an HIV cluster. Third, participants highlighted challenges with partner services that were not limited to but could affect cluster response contexts, including concerns about privacy and shame.

Conclusion: These findings indicate high levels of support in the study population for molecular HIV cluster detection. To strengthen implementation, public health officials should develop culturally sensitive educational materials, consider approaches to notify individuals who are part of an HIV cluster, and partner with marginalized communities and community-based organizations to educate about these activities and how public health data are protected.

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Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

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