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Perception of HIV testing among attendees at an STD clinic in India

T Subramanian1, M D Gupte, A K Mathai

  • 1ICMR, National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, India. thilakavathi_s@yahoo.com

AIDS Care
|February 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Many STD clinic attendees in India perceive HIV risk, with higher perception among males and those with more sexual partners. Over half were willing for free HIV testing, especially females and those with multiple partners.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern globally and in India.
  • Understanding perceptions and willingness for testing is crucial for effective HIV prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the perception of risk for HIV/AIDS and willingness for free HIV testing among attendees of a public STD clinic in Chennai, India.
  • To identify factors influencing risk perception and testing willingness.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted among 511 eligible attendees at a Government General Hospital STD clinic in Chennai, India.
  • Data was collected from January to April 2001, with 362 (71%) responding to questions on risk perception and willingness for HIV testing.

Main Results:

  • 36% of respondents perceived themselves at risk for HIV/AIDS.
  • Males (P=0.01) and individuals with more lifetime sexual partners (p<0.0001) reported higher risk perception.
  • 55% were willing for free HIV testing, with females more willing than males (p<0.0001).
  • Individuals with two or more sexual partners were four times more willing to be tested (OR=4; p=0.001), even after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Findings highlight a notable proportion of STD clinic attendees perceive HIV risk and are willing to undergo testing.
  • Targeted interventions and accessible free HIV testing services are important for at-risk populations in India.
  • Understanding gender and behavioral factors is key to optimizing HIV testing uptake.

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