Cancer care and treatment during homelessness.

People experiencing homelessness have not yet benefited from the substantial progress made in managing cancers, including advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgical interventions, multidisciplinary team approaches, and integrated cancer care models. People experiencing homelessness are at higher risks of developing cancers and their mortality due to cancer is twice that of the general population. Potential interventions to improve access to cancer treatment include alliances and active engagement with community organisations and shelters, cancer case management and peer-to-peer support, mHealth and navigation strategies, tailored hospital discharge to adult group homes, well equipped subacute rehabilitation centres, and specialised shelters and respite housing to assure appropriate follow-up care. Other interventions include improving preventive care, expanding data, targeted policy efforts, and broader housing advocacy. In this Personal View, I discuss challenges and opportunities in cancer treatment, with a review of the current evidence on potential interventions, and highlight strategies to improve access to cancer care for homeless populations.

A systematic review of effective strategies for chronic disease management in humanitarian settings; opportunities and challenges.

Large number of people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) face barriers to adequate healthcare in humanitarian settings. We conducted a systematic literature review in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE/DARE, Cochrane, and grey literature from 1990 to 2021 to evaluate effective strategies in addressing NCDs (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, COPD, cancer) in humanitarian settings. From 2793 articles, 2652 were eliminated through title/abstract screening; 141 articles were reviewed in full; 93 were eliminated for not meeting full criteria. Remaining 48 articles were reviewed qualitatively to assess populations, settings, interventions, outcome, and efficacy and effectiveness; 38 studies addressed treatments, 9 prevention, and 7 epidemiology. Prevention studies broadly addressed capacity-building. Treatment and epidemiology studies largely addressed hypertension and diabetes. Interventions included web-based/mobile health strategies, pharmacy-level interventions, portable imaging, and capacity building including physical clinics, staff training, forging collaborations, guideline development, point-of-care labs, health promotion activities, EMR, and monitoring interventions. Collaboration between academia and implementing agencies was limited. Models of care were largely not well-described and varied between studies due to contextual constraints. Barriers to interventions included financial, logistical, organizational, sociocultural, and security. Cancer care is significantly understudied. Simplified care models adapted to contexts and program evaluations of implemented strategies could address gaps in applied research. Inherent challenges in humanitarian settings pose unavoidable perils to evidence generation which requires a shift in research mindset to match aspirations with practicality, research collaborations at the inception of projects, reworking of desired conventional level of research evidence considering resource-intense constraints (HR, time, cost), and adapted research tools, methods, and procedures.

Comparative assessment of test characteristics of cervical cancer screening methods for implementation in low-resource settings.

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects low-resource settings. Papanicolaou, human papillomavirus (HPV), and visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) testing, each with different characteristics, will reduce cervical cancer burden. We conducted a critical literature review using PubMed, Cochrane, WHO, and grey literature from 1994 to 2020. We examined efficacy, harms, and comparative effectiveness of screening methods by age, human immunodeficiency virus, provider characteristics, and assessed implementation challenges in low-resource settings. Comprehensive data on utility and efficacy of screening tests indicates that each screening has strengths and shortcomings but all confer acceptable performance. HPV and VIA appear more promising. Primary HPV test-and-treat, self-testing, and co-testing have been studied but data on triage plans, cost, support system, implementation and sustainability is unclear in low-resource settings. HPV testing could help target subgroups of older or higher risk women. VIA offers local capacity-building and scalability. Quality VIA technique after HPV testing is still required to guide post-screening treatments. VIA competencies decline gradually with current standard trainings. Stationary cervicography improves VIA quality but isn't scalable. Affordable smartphones eliminate this barrier, enhance training through mentorship, and advance continuing education and peer-to-peer training. Smartphone-based VIA facilitates cervical image storage for patient education, health promotion, record-keeping, follow-up care, remote expert support, and quality control to improve VIA reliability and reproducibility and reduce mis-diagnoses and burden to health systems. Rather than ranking screening methods using test characteristics alone in study or higher-resource settings, we advocate for scalable strategies that maximize reliability and access and reduce cost and human resources.

Evaluating smartphone strategies for reliability, reproducibility, and quality of VIA for cervical cancer screening in the Shiselweni region of Eswatini: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is among the most common preventable cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) as cervical cancer screening strategy in resource-poor settings. However, there are barriers to the sustainability of VIA programs including declining providers' VIA competence without mentorship and quality assurances and challenges of integration into primary healthcare. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of smartphone-based strategies in improving reliability, reproducibility, and quality of VIA in humanitarian settings. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We implemented smartphone-based VIA that included standard VIA training, adapted refresher, and 6-month mHealth mentorship, sequentially, in the rural Shiselweni region of Eswatini. A remote expert reviewer provided diagnostic and management feedback on patients' cervical images, which were reviewed weekly by nurses. Program's outcomes, VIA image agreement rates, and Kappa statistic were compared before, during, and after training. From September 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, 4,247 patients underwent screening; 247 were reviewed weekly by a VIA diagnostic expert. Of the 247, 128 (49%) were HIV-positive; mean age was 30.80 years (standard deviation [SD]: 7.74 years). Initial VIA positivity of 16% (436/2,637) after standard training gradually increased to 25.1% (293/1,168), dropped to an average of 9.7% (143/1,469) with a lowest of 7% (20/284) after refresher in 2017 (p = 0.001), increased again to an average of 9.6% (240/2,488) with a highest of 17% (17/100) before the start of mentorship, and dropped to an average of 8.3% (134/1,610) in 2018 with an average of 6.3% (37/591) after the start of mentorship (p = 0.019). Overall, 88% were eligible for and 68% received cryotherapy the same day: 10 cases were clinically suspicious for cancer; however, only 5 of those cases were confirmed using punch biopsy. Agreement rates with the expert reviewer for positive and negative cases were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.4% to 100%) and 95.7% (95% CI: 92.2% to 97.9%), respectively, with negative predictive value (NPV) (100%), positive predictive value (PPV) (63.5%), and area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics (AUC ROC) (0.978). Kappa statistic was 0.74 (95% CI; 0.58 to 0.89); 0.64 and 0.79 at 3 and 6 months, respectively. In logistic regression, HIV and age were associated with VIA positivity (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 3.53, 95% CI: 1.10 to 11.29; p = 0.033 and aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.0004 to 1.13; p = 0.048, respectively). We were unable to incorporate a control arm due to logistical constraints in routine humanitarian settings. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that smartphone mentorship provided experiential learning to improve nurses' competencies and VIA reliability and reproducibility, reduced false positive, and introduced peer-to-peer education and quality control services. Local collaboration; extending services to remote populations; decreasing unnecessary burden to screened women, providers, and tertiary centers; and capacity building through low-tech high-yield screening are promising strategies for scale-up of VIA programs.

Acceptability and implementation challenges of smartphone-based training of community health nurses for visual inspection with acetic acid in Ghana: mHealth and cervical cancer screening.

OBJECTIVE: To explore acceptability and feasibility of smartphone-based training of low-level to mid-level health professionals in cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA)/cervicography. DESIGN: In 2015, we applied a qualitative descriptive approach and conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups to assess the perceptions and experiences of community health nurses (CHNs) (n=15) who performed smartphone-based VIA, patients undergoing VIA/cryotherapy (n=21) and nurse supervisor and the expert reviewer (n=2). SETTING: Community health centres (CHCs) in Accra, Ghana. RESULTS: The 3-month smartphone-based training and mentorship was perceived as an important and essential complementary process to further develop diagnostic and management competencies. Cervical imaging provided peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and helped better communicate the procedure to and gain trust of patients, provide targeted education, improve adherence and implement quality control. None of the patients had prior screening; they overwhelmingly accepted smartphone-based VIA, expressing no significant privacy issues. Neither group cited significant barriers to performing or receiving VIA at CHCs, the incorporation of smartphone imaging and mentorship via text messaging. CHNs were able to leverage their existing community relationships to address a lack of knowledge and misperceptions. Patients largely expressed decision-making autonomy regarding screening. Negative views and stigma were present but not significantly limiting, and the majority felt that screening strategies were acceptable and effective. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the overall acceptability of this approach from the perspectives of all stakeholders with important promises for smartphone-based VIA implementation. Larger-scale health services research could further provide important lessons for addressing this burden in low-income and middle-income countries.

Cancer screening in the homeless population.

Annually, 100 million people experience homelessness worldwide. Most adults that are struggling with homelessness are living to age 50 years or older and need age-appropriate screening for cancer. Cancer-related death in homeless adults is twice as high as the average in the adult population in the USA. However, few studies have examined the rates of and barriers to cancer screening in homeless people. This Review explores cancer-related health disparities between homeless people and the general population by providing a review of data and definitions relating to homelessness, an analysis of barriers to screening in this population, and a discussion of the current and potential interventions and strategies to improve cancer screening in homeless individuals. Recommendations include implementing appropriate data collection methods for this population, supporting cancer screening in places where homeless people usually access care, assessing the effectiveness of approaches to increasing cancer screening in homeless people, and addressing adequate housing as a fundamental social factor.

Opt-Out Patient Navigation to Improve Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Homeless Women.

BACKGROUND: A patient navigation model was implemented to improve breast and cervical cancer screening among women who were homeless in five shelters and shelter clinics in New York City in 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Navigation consisted of opt-out screening to eligible women; cancer health and screening education; scheduling and following up for screening completion, obtaining, and communicating results to patients and providers; and care coordination with social services organizations. RESULTS: Women (n = 162, aged 21-74, 58% black) completed mammogram (88%) and Pap testing (83%) from baselines of 59% and 50%, respectively. There was no association between mental health or substance abuse and screening completion. Adjusted analysis showed a significant association between refusing/missing Pap testing and older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.20); independent predictors of mammogram included more pregnancies (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37-0.88) and older age (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Opt-out patient navigation is feasible and effective and may mitigate multilevel barriers to cancer screening among women with unstable housing.

Perceptions and attitudes regarding sexually transmitted infection and family planning among adolescents in Northern Madagascar.

The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and early pregnancy are high among adolescents in Madagascar. We applied a qualitative descriptive approach to evaluate perceptions, attitudes, and misconceptions regarding STIs and contraception among female and male adolescents ages 15-19 years (n = 43) in Northern Madagascar in 2014 using focus group discussions with open-ended questions. Data were coded and analyzed for major themes. Participants were in grades 6 to 12 in school; 53% were female. Despite high levels of awareness, significant stigma against and misconceptions about STIs, condom use, and sexual practices existed. Many participants did not know how to use condoms and felt uncomfortable suggesting condoms with regular partners, despite acknowledging infidelity as a frequent problem. Male participants were more willing to use condoms as contraception for unwanted pregnancy than for prevention of STIs. Most participants held misconceptions about side effects of contraceptives, including infertility, cancer, and preventing bad blood from leaving the woman's body. Systematic and community-wide health education and formal reproductive health curricula in schools may improve attitudes and stigma regarding STIs and family planning. These strategies need to be developed and employed via collaboration among faith-based, community, and non-governmental organizations, schools, and governmental health and social service agencies.

mHealth to Train Community Health Nurses in Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid for Cervical Cancer Screening in Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: There is a shortage of trained health care personnel for cervical cancer screening in low-/middle-income countries. We evaluated the feasibility and limited efficacy of a smartphone-based training of community health nurses in visual inspection of the cervix under acetic acid (VIA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During April to July 2015 in urban Ghana, we designed and developed a study to determine the feasibility and efficacy of an mHealth-supported training of community health nurses (CHNs, n = 15) to perform VIA and to use smartphone images to obtain expert feedback on their diagnoses within 24 hours and to improve VIA skills retention. The CHNs completed a 2-week on-site introductory training in VIA performance and interpretation, followed by an ongoing 3-month text messaging-supported VIA training by an expert VIA reviewer. RESULTS: Community health nurses screened 169 women at their respective community health centers while receiving real-time feedback from the reviewer. The total agreement rate between all VIA diagnoses made by all CHNs and the expert reviewer was 95%. The mean (SD) rate of agreement between each CHN and the expert reviewer was 89.6% (12.8%). The agreement rates for positive and negative cases were 61.5% and 98.0%, respectively. Cohen κ statistic was 0.67 (95% CI = 0.45-0.88). Around 7.7% of women tested VIA positive and received cryotherapy or further services. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of mHealth-supported VIA training of CHNs and have the potential to improve cervical cancer screening coverage in Ghana.

Rates and Predictors of Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Hypertensive Homeless Adults Using New York City Shelter-Based Clinics.

PURPOSE: We undertook a study to determine the rates, predictors, and barriers to blood pressure control among homeless and nonhomeless hypertensive adult patients from 10 New York City shelter-based clinics. METHODS: The study was a retrospective chart review of blood pressure measurements, sociodemographic characteristics, and factors associated with homelessness and hypertension extracted from the medical records of a random sample of hypertensive patients (N = 210) in 2014. RESULTS: Most patients were African American or Hispanic; 24.8% were female, and 84.3% were homeless for a mean duration of 3.07 years (SD = 5.04 years). Homeless adult patients were younger, had less insurance, and were more likely to be a current smoker and alcohol abuser. Of the 210 hypertensive patients, 40.1% of homeless and 33.3% of nonhomeless patients had uncontrolled blood pressure (P = .29) when compared with US rates for hypertensive adults, which range between 19.6% and 24.8%, respectively; 15.8% of homeless patients had stage 2 hypertension (P = .27). Homeless hypertensive patients with diabetes or multiple chronic diseases had better blood pressure control (P <.01). In logistic regression, lack of insurance was associated with inadequate blood pressure control (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of uncontrolled hypertension among hypertensive homeless adults is alarming. We propose comprehensive approaches to improve social support, access to medical insurance, and medication adherence, the lack of which complicate blood pressure control, targeted health education, and life style modifications using mobile health strategies for this mobile population.

Cervical Cancer Screening Among Homeless Women of New York City Shelters.

Introduction Homeless persons have minimal opportunities to complete recommended cancer screening. The rates and predictors of cervical cancer screening are understudied among homeless women in the US. Methods We enrolled 297 homeless women 21-65 years old residing in 6 major New York City shelters from 2012 to 2014. We used a validated national survey to determine the proportion and predictors of cervical cancer screening using cytology (Pap test). Results Mean age was 44.72 (±11.96) years. Majority was Black, heterosexual, single, with high school or lower education; 50.9 % were smokers and 41.7 % were homeless more than a year. Despite a 76.5 % proportion of self-reported Pap test within the past 3 years, 65 % of women assumed their Pap test results were normal or did not get proper follow up after abnormal results. Forty-five-point-nine percent of women did not know about frequency of Pap test or causes of cervical cancer. Lower proportion of up-to-date Pap test was associated with lack of knowledge of recommended Pap test frequency (p < 0.01) and relationship between HPV and an abnormal Pap test (p < 0.01). Conclusions Self-reported Pap testing in homeless women was similar to a national sample. However, the majority of women surveyed were not aware of their results, received limited if any follow up and had significant education gaps about cervical cancer screening. We recommend improved counseling and patient education, patient navigators to close screening loops, and consideration of alternative test-and-treat modalities to improve effective screening.

Human Papillomavirus Knowledge and Attitude among Homeless Women of New York City Shelters.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has not been studied among homeless women in the United States. We assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infection and the HPV vaccine among homeless women. METHODS: We enrolled 300 homeless women age 19 to 65 residing in multiple New York City shelters from 2012 to 2014. We used a national survey to collect HPV data. RESULTS: Mean age was 44.7 ± 12.16 years. The majority were Black, heterosexual, and single; 50.6% were smokers. Almost all HPV knowledge and attitudes data were considerably below the national averages; 41.9% never heard of HPV. Only 36.5% knew that HPV is a sexually transmitted disease; 41.5% knew that HPV causes cervical cancer; and only 19.5% and 17.3% received provider counseling regarding HPV testing and vaccine, respectively. Among participants, 65.4% reported that they would vaccinate their eligible daughters for HPV. Lower rates of up-to-date Pap tests were associated with a lack of knowledge regarding relationship between HPV and abnormal Pap test (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend improved HPV counseling by providers during any clinical encounter to reduce missed opportunities, coupled with employing patient teaching coach or navigators to improve health literacy and to connect patients to services regarding HPV and cervical cancer.

Perspectives of cancer and cancer screening among homeless adults of New York City shelter-based clinics: a qualitative approach.

PURPOSE: Millions of homeless Americans have lower cancer screening and higher cancer mortality rates. We explored perspectives and perceptions regarding cancer and cancer screening among homeless. METHODS: Using random and criteria sampling, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 50 homeless adults from New York City's (NYC) shelters and shelter-based clinics. RESULTS: Mean age was 51.66 years with average 2.03 years of homelessness; 33/50 were older than 50. Only a small number of participants had their recommended cancer screening. Contrary to general assumptions and despite significant barriers, the homeless were concerned about cancer, believed their risk of cancer is higher compared to the general population, and generally considered screening a high priority during homelessness. While they acknowledged several individual- and systems-level barriers, they welcomed targeted measures to address their multi-level barriers. Suggested strategies included active counseling by providers, health education or reminders via mHealth strategies or face-to-face in shelters, addressing potential providers' prejudice and biases regarding their priorities, incentives, and patient navigators or coach to help navigating the complex cancer screening process. CONCLUSIONS: There are gaps in effective cancer screening despite adequate attitude and perceptions among homeless. The health system needs to shift from addressing only basic care to a more equitable approach with accessible and acceptable opportunities for preventive cancer care for the homeless.

Breast cancer screening among homeless women of New York City shelter-based clinics.

BACKGROUND: Millions of Americans experience homelessness annually. Data on breast cancer screening among homeless women is extremely limited. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study evaluating 100 female patients 50 to 74 years old with at least three visits to two major New York City shelter-based clinics between 2010 and 2012 to evaluate and compare rates and predictors of mammograms in homeless and low-income domicile patients. RESULTS: Of those we included, 44% were homeless with majority Black and Hispanic. Mean age was 59.28 (±5.84) years. The majority were insured, with 44% smokers and 87% with chronic illnesses. Rates of mammogram within past 2 years were 59% in homeless and 57.1% in low-income domicile patients; 53% did not know the results of their mammogram. Homeless and domicile patients received equal provider counseling. Homeless women were more likely to be uninsured (p < .01). Domicile patients were more likely to have a chronic illness (p < .01). A history of mental illness or substance abuse was not different between the two groups. In logistic regression, provider counseling predicted mammogram (odds ratio, 31.69; 95% CI, 3.76-266.8); race, insurance status, housing status, and history of mental illness or substance abuse did not. CONCLUSION: The overall low rate of mammogram in this population compared with the national average is alarming. We suggest trained patient navigators to address social barriers and tailored patient education and counseling at any clinical encounter to address misconceptions, along with broader structural approaches to address homelessness.

Colorectal cancer screening among the homeless population of New York City shelter-based clinics.

OBJECTIVES: We determined colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates, predictors, and barriers in 2 major New York City shelter-based clinics. METHODS: We extracted screening rates, sociodemographic characteristics, and factors associated with homelessness from medical records of domiciled and homeless patients aged 50 years and older (n = 443) with at least 3 clinic visits between 2010 and 2012. RESULTS: The majority of patients were African American or Hispanic, 76% were male, and 60.7% were homeless (mean = 2.4 years; SD = 2.8 years). Domiciled patients were more likely than homeless patients to be screened (41.3% vs 19.7%; P < .001). Homeless and domiciled patients received equal provider counseling, but more homeless patients declined screening (P < .001). In logistic regression, gender, race, duration of homelessness, insurance status, substance and alcohol abuse, chronic diseases, and mental health were not associated with screening, but housing, provider counseling, and older age were. CONCLUSIONS: Proposed interventions to improve CRC screening include respite shelter rooms for colonoscopy prepping, patient navigators to help navigate the health system and accompany patients to and from the procedure, counseling at all clinical encounters, and tailored patient education to address misconceptions.

Women's health disparities in Honduras: indicators and determinants.

BACKGROUND: Disparities in women's health indicators exist throughout the Americas. Health data about indigenous women in the remote highland communities of Honduras are lacking. Our objective was to assess women's health indicators and to suggest potential interventions. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to women ≥age 18 in the Yamaranguila municipality. We assessed rates of Pap smear, breastfeeding, family planning (FP), and prenatal care (PNC); childbirth setting; access issues; and self-health perceptions. RESULTS: Of the 134 participants, 30% were aged < 25 and 10% were ≥ 45. Most attended some primary school, and 11% had no education; 56% reported fair or poor self-health, and 90% had heard of the Pap smear, but only 20% had one within 1 year. Despite knowledge of various FP methods, only 42% in a union were using FP, which is significantly lower than national rates (p<0.01). Thirty-six percent of the respondents' most recent childbirths took place outside a health center. Seventy-six percent exclusively breastfed their youngest child for 6 months, higher than the national rate of 30% (p<0.01). Distance from the municipal center, reflecting more traditional indigenous identity, predicted lower rates of FP use (p<0.05), Pap smear (p<0.01), and prenatal care (PNC) (p<0.05), but age and education level did not. CONCLUSIONS: In Honduras, the rural indigenous people have some of the worst health indicators compared to urban and nonindigenous people. Women's health status might be improved by implementing mobile care teams, training indigenous women as community health workers, and employing alternate modalities of cervical screening. Fundamental socioeconomic causes of poor health, such as remote residence, indigenous identity, and gender inequality, should be considered in future interventions to alleviate disparities in health status.

Communicable and non-communicable diseases among recent immigrants with implications for primary care; a comprehensive immigrant health approach.

Data on health status of immigrants and practice recommendations for providers are scarce. We evaluated 99 recent immigrants from developing nations in an immigrant clinic in New York City to assess epidemiology of diseases and to recommend potential screening. Providers received ongoing training. Majority patient was from West Africa and Central America with a mean of 2.1 years in the US. Two thirds were uninsured. Half had positive PPD. Half had prior hepatitis B infection, which was higher in Africans. One quarter had intestinal parasites. Two thirds were overweight; 33% had hypercholesterolemia, 26% were hypertensive, and 25% of women had a Pap smear previously. Eosinophila was higher in African and males (P < 0.05) but didn't predict stool O&P. Recent immigrants were at risk for chronic non-communicable diseases, similar to the US population. Providers should balance their focus on communicable and non-communicable diseases. We recommend practice-based training and on-site comprehensive health services.

Routine opt-out HIV testing in an urban community health center.

Undiagnosed HIV infection remains a significant public health problem. To address this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised testing recommendations, calling for routine opt-out HIV screening among adults in health care settings. However, these recommendations have not been widely implemented in primary care settings. We examined acceptability of opt-out HIV testing in an urban community health center and factors associated with accepting testing. From July 2007 to March 2008, physicians or a designated HIV tester approached patients presenting for primary care visits during 52 clinical sessions at an urban community health center. Patients were told they "would be tested for HIV unless they declined testing." Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, which required venipuncture, were used to test for HIV infection. We extracted demographic, clinical, and visit characteristics from medical records and examined associations between these characteristics and accepting HIV testing using logistic regression. Of 300 patients, 35% agreed to HIV testing, with no new HIV infections detected. Common reasons for declining testing were perceived low risk (54.4%) and self-reported HIV testing previously (45.1%). Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96-0.99), Hispanic ethnicity (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.01-3.14), and having another blood test during the visit (AOR = 6.36, 95% CI = 3.58-11.28) were independently associated with accepting HIV testing. This study questions whether expanding HIV testing by conducting routine opt-out HIV testing in primary care settings is an acceptable strategy. It is important to understand how various testing strategies may affect HIV testing rates. In addition, further exploration of patients' reasons for declining HIV testing in these settings is warranted.