Lukanika Hitimana RC, Madra Primo MP, Mubangizi Jotham JK; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeD7607.

AIDS Information Centre, Kampala, Uganda

Background: Over 30% of the clients that currently visit AIC come for a repeat HIV test. The reasons for repeat testing are varied. This paper examines the demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, reasons for seeking retests and overall sero-prevalence among repeat testers. Method: We analysed information reported by repeat testers seeking VCT services at five stand alone centres of AIC from April, 2001 to September, 2003 regarding demographic characteristics of the clients, reasons for retesting, sexual behaviours and HIV status. Results: Out of 116, 692 clients that sought VCT service, 40,291 (34.6%) were repeat testers, 56.9% were males, 74.1% were in the age group 25-49 years, 28.1% aged 13-24 years, 38.4% were married, 41.8% were never married. The reported reasons for retesting were confirmation of the previous test (23.4%), marriage (16.1%), Past HIV risk (15.0%), and current HIV risk (12.3%). About 69% reported having had sex in the last six months. HIV prevalence was high among female repeaters (15.3%) compared to male repeaters (6.3%) OR=0.37 CI=0.35-0.40. The reproductive group had a sero-prevalence of 11.7%, widows (40.7%), divorced/separated (15.5%) and married (9.9%). Sero-prevalence by test reason was as follows; lost partner/child/co-wife (33.4%), reason feel ill (29.9%), ill partner/child/co-wife (17.1%) and AIDS symptoms (12.5%). Males were more likely to repeat test than the female clients, although females have high sero prevalence on repeat testing. Prevalence was also high among clients who retest because they have lost a partner/child/co-wife. Conclusion VCT counselors need to stress preventive measures to clients most especially women during counseling sessions. While the repeat testers are likely to retest to confirm their HIV status, marriage and past HIV risk, the first time testers do test mainly for engage in marriage relationships and others test because they are ill.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Child
• Counseling
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Information Centers
• Male
• Prevalence
• Sexual Behavior
• Uganda

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0037166

UI: 102281382

From Meeting Abstracts