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Failure to return for HIV posttest counseling in an STD clinic population
Lisa B Hightow1, William C Miller, Peter A Leone
1Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. lisa_hightow@med.unc.edu
Summary
Many individuals tested for HIV at STD clinics do not return for results. Over half of HIV-positive patients failed to return, requiring significant effort for follow-up and notification.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- HIV testing is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics serve high-risk populations.
- Follow-through for HIV test results (FTR) is essential for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of FTR for HIV posttest counseling.
- To identify characteristics associated with FTR in an STD clinic setting.
- To assess the resources required for notifying HIV-positive individuals who do not return.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study design.
- Inclusion of newly diagnosed HIV-infected and matched HIV-uninfected subjects.
- Analysis of demographic characteristics, HIV testing history, and STD diagnoses.
Main Results:
- 55% of all subjects failed to return for HIV test results.
- 58% of HIV-positive subjects did not return for results.
- Factors associated with FTR included HIV testing history, demographics, and STD diagnosis.
- A median of 12 days was needed to locate HIV-positive non-returners.
Conclusions:
- The rate of return for HIV test results is low in STD clinic attendees.
- Significant time and effort are expended locating HIV-positive individuals who do not return.
- Interventions should target individuals at higher risk of not returning to improve engagement in care.