Providing written information on HIV testing improves patient knowledge but does not affect test uptake

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Communication

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health concern.
• Effective patient education is crucial for improving understanding and engagement with HIV testing.
• Current methods of information dissemination may vary in their impact on patient knowledge and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of written information on HIV testing compared to verbal discussion.
• To assess changes in patient knowledge regarding HIV transmission and testing.
• To determine the effect on HIV test uptake rates.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted in a genitourinary medicine clinic in July 2003.
• Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving written HIV testing information, the other receiving verbal discussion only.
• Questionnaires were used to assess patient knowledge and reasons for test acceptance or declination.

Main Results:

• Written information significantly improved patient knowledge on HIV transmission routes (e.g., insect bites) and implications of a negative test (e.g., mortgage applications).
• Awareness of current HIV treatments was also enhanced by written materials.
• No statistically significant difference was observed in HIV test uptake between the group receiving written information and the control group.

Conclusions:

• Written materials effectively enhance patient knowledge about HIV testing and related issues.
• The provision of written information alone does not increase the uptake of HIV testing.
• Future strategies may need to combine educational materials with other interventions to improve test uptake.