Premarital HIV screening in Johor--(2002-2004)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health concern.
• Premarital screening is a key strategy for early detection and prevention of HIV transmission.
• Understanding the epidemiology of HIV in specific populations is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the outcomes of a premarital HIV screening program in Johor over a three-year period.
• To assess the effectiveness of the program in identifying new HIV cases.
• To evaluate the program's impact on public awareness and early disease detection.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Data were collected from HIV screenings conducted at government clinics.
• Screenings were confirmed by accredited laboratories.

Main Results:

• A total of 74,210 respondents underwent screening.
• 123 new HIV cases were detected, resulting in a positivity rate of 0.17%.
• The positivity rate from premarital screening (0.17%) was higher than that of antenatal screening (0.05%).
• In 2004, 24 out of 37 (64.9%) individuals diagnosed with HIV proceeded to marriage after counseling, with six marrying each other.
• Despite the program, marriage applications in Johor increased by 2.8% in 2004 compared to 2002.

Conclusions:

• The premarital HIV screening program in Johor successfully identified new HIV cases and contributed to public awareness.
• The program's positivity rate highlights its importance in early HIV detection.
• Further strategies may be needed to address the ongoing rise in marriage applications alongside screening efforts.