Related Experiment Videos
Prenatal HIV testing in private OB-Gyn practices in Texas
Ann S Robbins1, Cheryl L E Jablonski, Barry E Mitchell
1Texas Department of Health Bureau of HIV and STD Prevention, 1100 W 49th St, Austin, TX 78756-3199, USA.
Texas Medicine
|June 5, 2002
Summary
Nearly all Texas OB/GYN practices offer prenatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, with high patient acceptance. However, many could enhance HIV prevention education and counseling for expectant mothers.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Prenatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is crucial for maternal and infant health.
- Understanding current testing practices in private obstetrics and gynecology settings is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prenatal HIV testing behaviors of private obstetrics and gynecology practitioners in Texas.
- To assess the prevalence of HIV testing, methods of offering the test, and patient acceptance rates.
Main Methods:
- A statewide telephone survey was conducted.
- Data were collected from 614 providers of prenatal care in Texas.
- Key metrics included HIV testing rates, offering strategies, and patient refusal rates.
Main Results:
- 99% of practices offered HIV testing to all pregnant patients; 96% included it in routine testing panels.
- Over 95% of practices reported low patient refusal rates (≤10%), with 73% reporting no refusals.
- Less than half of practices discussed HIV prevention, and only 29% referred high-risk patients for counseling.
Conclusions:
- Private obstetrics and gynecology practices demonstrate high rates of offering prenatal HIV testing.
- Opportunities exist to improve HIV prevention discussions and referrals for high-risk pregnant patients.
- Enhanced provider education on prevention counseling could strengthen prenatal HIV care.