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Factors predicting the acceptance of herpes simplex virus
type 2 antibody testing among adolescents and young adults.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2004;31(11):665-669.
Zimet GD, Rosenthal SL, Fontenberry JD, Brady RC, Tu W, Wu J, Bernstein
DI, Stanberry LR, Stone KM, Leichliter JS, Fife KH.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The rates and determinants of acceptance of herpes simplex virus
type 2 (HSV-2) testing have not been adequately studied. OBJECTIVES: The
objective of this study was to identify factors associated with acceptance
of HSV-2 antibody testing in individuals with no history of genital herpes.
STUDY: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study followed by the offer
of free HSV-2 serologic testing at an urban sexually transmitted disease
(STD) clinic, 2 general adult medical clinics, an urban university campus,
and an urban adolescent medicine clinic. A total of 1199 individuals aged
14 to 30 years completed the survey and were offered testing. RESULTS: A
total of 68.4% accepted HSV-2 testing. Factors independently associated with
acceptance were female sex, older age, having an STD history, having 1 or
more sexual partners in the last 6 months, perceived vulnerability to HSV-2
infection, and perceived benefits of HSV-2 testing. Fear of needles predicted
rejection of testing, as did attending a general medical clinic versus an
STD clinic and nonwhite race. CONCLUSION: There is a substantial interest
in HSV-2 antibody testing across a variety of settings. Those at greatest
behavioral and historic risk for HSV-2 infection, women, and persons whose
health beliefs are consistent with testing are more likely to accept serologic
testing when it is offered.