Perceived HIV Risk, Barriers, and Preferences for HIV Testing in Structurally Vulnerable Communities in St. Louis: A Best-Worst Scaling Survey.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundPersistent gaps in efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States highlight the need for community-specific, evidence-based HIV testing strategies. This study investigated barriers and preferences around HIV testing among underserved populations, including Black, queer, and young adults in the St. Louis, Missouri area.MethodsWe conducted a Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) survey with adults (16+ years) recruited at community events, collecting responses electronically and providing a $25 incentive. The survey assessed the relative importance of 13 potential barriers to HIV testing such as stigma, structural barriers, and perceived HIV risk, chosen based on literature review and community input. Mean preference weights (MPWs) were derived from participants' most and least selected b

SUBMITTER: Tetteh EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12924921 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature