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HSV-2 serologic testing in an HMO population: uptake and psychosocial sequelae
Julie Richards1, Delia Scholes, Selin Caka
1Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
|May 2, 2007
Summary
Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) testing in HMOs revealed unexpected positive results in 26% of those tested. Short-term distress from a new diagnosis resolved within six months, indicating testing is safe.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) is a common infection.
- Serologic testing for HSV-2 is available but uptake and psychosocial impact are not well understood in managed care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the uptake of HSV-2 testing among health maintenance organization (HMO) enrollees.
- To assess the psychosocial response to a new serologic diagnosis of HSV-2.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving randomly selected urban HMO enrollees.
- Participants underwent HSV-2 antibody testing and completed demographic and psychosocial questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Only 11% of contacted enrollees were tested for HSV-2.
- Of those tested, 26% were seropositive, with 51% unaware of prior diagnosis.
- New diagnoses led to a statistically significant, though short-term, increase in psychological distress.
Conclusions:
- Unexpected HSV-2 seropositivity can cause temporary psychosocial distress.
- This distress resolved within a 6-month follow-up period.
- Concerns regarding psychosocial burden should not prevent voluntary HSV-2 testing in primary care.
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