Reducing HIV incidence in the Southern United States through routine opt-out HIV screening.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate the potential contributions of routine opt-out testing (ROOT) in clinical settings and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on achieving 'Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US' (EHE) incidence reduction goals in the South.

Design

Simulation study.

Methods

An agent-based epidemic projection model simulated adherence to the CDC's ROOT guidelines. Simulations were informed by literature reviews, the National Survey of Family Growth and ARTnet. Interventions included ROOT in Community Health Center (CHC) and emergency departments alone and in combination. PrEP was modeled as either persistent at 2019 levels or expanding consistent with historical trends.

Results

ROOT in CHCs and emergency departments averted 13.9% (95% simulation interval: -15.5 to 42.

SUBMITTER: Hamilton DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12324957 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature