OBJECTIVES: Portugal has set early identification and diagnosis of HIV, HCV and HBV infections as a priority in 2018. Considering that community pharmacies started performing point-of-care tests for such infections to the public (≥18 years) upon request, this study aims to characterize the population using this service, their behaviors, and motivations for getting tested at that setting.

METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in the community pharmacies in the Municipality of Cascais, who voluntarily participate in the Fast-Track Cities international initiative, with pharmacists specifically trained to this service, and data collection from October 2018 to December 2019, with two instruments: matrix filled by pharmacists (tests performed and results per user); questionnaire to users (self-administered, optional, anonymous, confidential).

RESULTS: The 21 participating pharmacies (51.2%) performed 1,422 tests (54.9% HIV, 37.9% HCV, 7.2% HBV), on 808 individuals (mean age 37 [SD=14] years, 60% male); 16 tests with reactive result (1.1% total, 1.0% HIV, 1.5% HCV) in 2.0% of users. 70.4% (n=569) of individuals completed the questionnaire. The results showed access to migrant populations (24.8% foreigners), to first-time test users (37.9% HIV, 40.8% HCV, 50.9% HBV) and to younger populations (half of the first-time users are under 30). Main reasons for taking the test: “Unprotected sexual intercourse” (52.6%) and “I never did the test” (23.9%). More than 50% considered the “Reduced waiting time”, “Privacy” and “Trust in pharmaceutical counseling and competence” to be extremely important when choosing the pharmacy over other testing sites. Instead, “Fear of discrimination in other place”, “Lack of willingness to go to other places” and “Ignorance of other place to perform the test” are not differentiating factors.

CONCLUSIONS: Performing point-of-care tests in community pharmacies seems to improve the population’s access with potential for reducing inequities, and allowing earlier diagnose, contributing to societal costs reduction.