Slutsker L, McAlister R, Klockner R, Fleming D; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1990 Jun 20-23; 6: 251 (abstract no. S.C.651).
Division of Field Services, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors associated with failure to return for HIV test results and post-test counseling (PTC). METHODS: Beginning in 7/89, Oregon has systematically monitored whether clients tested at public funded sites return for PTC within 30 days following testing. Return status was linked with clinic type, method of test (anonymous vs confidential), and demographic, risk, and previous HIV testing information provided by the client. RESULTS: As of 11/15/89, the return status was known for 3,802 clients. Of these, 1028 (27%) failed to return (FTR) for the test results. The FTR rate was 13% for clients who voluntarily sought testing at public sites compared to 49% for clients offered testing as part of a clinic visit for another purpose (OR 6.7, p less than 10(-6)). Clients seen at STD clinics comprised less than one-third of persons tested, but accounted for 61% (624/1028) of FTR clients. When controlling for clinic test site, significantly higher FTR rates were associated with age 10-19 years (OR 1.9, p less than 10(-6)), IV drug use in the preceding 6 months (OR 2.2, p less than 10(-6)), and Black race (OR 2.0, p less than 10(-6)). HIV test results did not affect return rate. Homo- and bisexual men had a significantly lower FTR than did heterosexual men (OR 0.43, p less than 10(-6)). CONCLUSIONS: Many clients undergoing HIV testing do not return for results and PTC. Those at risk are more likely to return if they seek testing voluntarily. In settings where testing is offered as an adjunct to other services, pre-test counseling should be designed to motivate clients to learn whether they are infected and to receive PTC.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Ambulatory Care Facilities
- Counseling
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Male
- Mass Screening
- Oregon
- Research Design
- Risk Factors
- psychology
Other ID:
UI: 102196484
From Meeting Abstracts