Dataset from C2SPARC: Implementing Mobile, POC COVID-19 Testing in Partnership with a Community-Based Organization to Reach Women Who Use Drugs

Background: This study assessed point-of-care COVID-19 testing (POCT) uptake in both research and service delivery contexts among women who use drugs (WWUD) in Baltimore, Maryland. The study also designed and implemented POCT on their nighttime mobile outreach van that provided harm reduction supplies, basic necessities, and trauma-informed micro-counseling.

Materials/Methods: The study employed Andersen's Behavioral Model, PRISM (Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model), and the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) to guide three aims. Aim 1 examined predisposing factors such as homelessness, food insecurity, drug use, race/ethnicity, and health beliefs, as well as enabling factors including prior COVID-19 testing and vaccine uptake, to predict POCT uptake over a six-month period in WWUD in Baltimore. Aim 2 developed, piloted, and implemented a POCT service on a mobile outreach van, operating two nights per week. Aim 3 assessed the feasibility of POCT through analysis of outreach administrative data and measured acceptability using the TFA framework, via a brief anonymous survey of clients when POCT was offered.

Outcome/Impact: The study built enhanced point-of-care infrastructures sustainable beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Study results were disseminated to the target population, service providers, and policy makers through fact sheets, manuscripts, and community forums to inform testing and vaccination programs targeting WWUD and similarly marginalized populations.