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Table 2 Three organizational models (CBO, clinic, CBO-clinic hybrid) providing HIV/syphilis testing in South China

From: Organizational characteristics of HIV/syphilis testing services for men who have sex with men in South China: a social entrepreneurship analysis and implications for creating sustainable service models

Model

Description of organization

Advantages for delivering HIV/Syphilis testing

Disadvantages for delivering HIV/Syphilis testing

Independent CBO

CBO provides anonymous MSM testing, and has minimal formal relationship with clinic partners.

Good reputation among MSM , perceived safe environment , strong community

MSM may not trust medical services or tests compared to an independent clinic.

MSM may see CBO as social meeting place, rather than testing center.

Independent clinic

Standard HIV/syphilis testing in a clinical setting (i.e. hospital/CDC center). Clinic may offer some social outreach activities and preventive services.

Trusted and standardized medical services, some MSM may feel services are anonymous because STD testing patients are mixed in with the general population

Poor communication and counseling, perceived discrimination, lack of confidentiality and privacy.

CBO-clinic hybrid

Shared decision-making, finances, staffing, space, and information between CBO and clinic.

Confidentiality and anonymity, high quality counseling and psychosocial support, perceived safe environment, medical services are trusted because standardized by government, trusted staff

Some communication issues between clinic providers and MSM.

  1. CBO: community-based organization; MSM: men who have sex with men.