Deverell A, McIntyre J, Gray G, Fisher J, Fridjhon P; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. ThPeF8036.

University of the Witwatersrand, johannesburg, South Africa

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to compare the effects of receiving same day versus delayed HIV diagnosis in pregnant women. The impact of test result delivery on post-test satisfaction, disclosure, partner reaction, self-reported coping, social support and failure to return for results was explored. METHODS: In phase one of the research, subjects received pre-test counselling, completed a pre-HIV test survey, had an HIV test and received post-test counselling. In phase two, a post-HIV test survey was administered to subjects. RESULTS: 524 pregnant women from the ante-natal clinic at The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) in Soweto, South Africa participated. Of these, 443 subjects (84.5%, p<0.0001) chose to receive their results on the same day. 67 subjects (12.8%) chose to delay receiving their results. 9 subjects (1.7%) refused to be tested and 5 subjects (0.95%) selected a delayed test date. Overall, the vast majority of subjects were satisfied with their result delivery selection. No significant differences, in terms of disclosure and partner reaction, between same day and delayed results were found. No significant relationship between HIV infection and failure to return for results was found. Patients who selected same day diagnosis and tested HIV positive, showed higher levels of post-test dissatisfaction, questioning the accuracy and validity of the test. Selection of delayed result led to a higher failure to return for results. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of subjects who chose to receive their results on the same day is, in itself, an indication of patient preferences. It is suggested that individuals have different coping mechanisms and styles, and that to accommodate these, both same day and delayed result options should be made available to patients.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Counseling
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Immunologic Techniques
• Mass Screening
• Pregnancy
• Research Design
• Social Support
• South Africa
• methods

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0015667

UI: 102253165

From Meeting Abstracts