ID and Testing Via Friendship Networks

Index recruiters will consist of sexually experienced females between the ages of 13 and 24 years old and of African American race, Hispanic/Latina ethnicity, or mixed-race/ethnicity, which must include African American race and/or Hispanic/Latina ethnicity.

Friendship network members will also consist of sexually experienced females, aged 13 years and older. Although most members are expected to be of African American race and/or Hispanic/Latina ethnicity, all races and ethnicities will be included.

Inclusion Criteria for INDEX RECRUITERS:

• Born female;
• Aged 13-24 years at the time of consent;
• African American or Hispanic/Latina ethnicity or mixed-race/ethnicity, which must include African American race and/or Hispanic/Latina ethnicity;
• A history of sexual intercourse with at least one male sexual partner;
• Any HIV status as follows: (1) HIV positive; (2) HIV negative defined as receiving a negative HIV test result < 12 months prior to the date of study consent); or (3) HIV status unknown defined as either no history of HIV testing or receipt of negative HIV test results more than 12 months prior to the date of study consent);
• History of vaginal and/or anal sexual intercourse with a male;
• Willing to complete a HIV risk assessment; and
• Willing to recruit two or more friendship network members to discuss and eventually undergo HIV screening;
• Ability to understand written and spoken English; and
• Willing to provide written informed consent/assent.

Inclusion Criteria for FRIENDSHIP NETWORK MEMBERS:

• Born female;
• Aged > 13 years at the time of consent;
• A history of sexual intercourse with at least one male sexual partner;
• Willing to complete an HIV risk assessment;
• Willing to discuss and consider HIV screening;
• Self-report that the most recent HIV test result was negative, or has no prior history of HIV testing;
• Ability to understand written and spoken English; and
• Willing to provide written informed consent/assent.

Exclusion Criteria for INDEX RECRUITERS:

• Psychiatric disorder (untreated) associated with thought disorder, hallucinations, acute substance use withdrawal. Stabilized patients receiving appropriate psychiatric care will not be excluded if informed consent can be reasonably assumed;
• Visibly distraught and/or visibly emotionally unstable (e.g., depressive mood; exhibiting manic, suicidal, or violent behavior);
• Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site personnel, would interfere with ability to give true informed consent and to adhere to the study requirements; and
• Acutely ill at the time of enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria for FRIENDSHIP NETWORK MEMBERS:

• Self-report an HIV positive test result;
• Psychiatric disorder (untreated) associated with thought disorder, hallucinations, acute substance use withdrawal. Stabilized patients receiving appropriate psychiatric care will not be excluded if informed consent can be reasonably assumed;
• Visibly distraught and/or visibly emotionally unstable (e.g., depressive mood; exhibiting manic, suicidal, or violent behavior);
• Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site personnel, would interfere with ability to give true informed consent and to adhere to the study requirements;
• Acutely ill at the time of enrollment.