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Voluntary antenatal HIV testing--results of a pilot study
CDR (London, England : Review)
|December 6, 1991
Summary
Voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in antenatal patients showed low uptake, with many declining tests. Unlinked anonymous surveys are more effective for monitoring HIV prevalence in the UK.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Antenatal care provides an opportunity to assess human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence.
- Voluntary testing programs aim to gather data on infection rates.
- Previous methods for HIV surveillance in the UK were being established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of voluntary HIV antibody testing among antenatal patients.
- To assess patient compliance with named and unlinked anonymous testing options.
- To compare the effectiveness of voluntary testing versus unlinked anonymous surveys for HIV surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Voluntary HIV antibody testing was offered to 4929 antenatal patients over 12 months (1989/90).
- Patients could opt for named testing, unlinked anonymous testing, or decline testing.
- Data on uptake, compliance, and risk factors were collected.
Main Results:
- Only 35% accepted named HIV testing, and 28% accepted unlinked anonymous testing; 37% declined.
- The proportion of women tested increased from 22% to 88% during the study period.
- One HIV-positive patient was identified through anonymous testing, with no identified risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Universal voluntary HIV testing programs are resource-intensive and face compliance challenges.
- Unlinked anonymous surveys are a more practical and efficient method for monitoring national HIV seroprevalence.
- The study highlights the importance of established unlinked anonymous surveys for UK HIV surveillance.
