The impact of repeat testing in the New Zealand antenatal HIV screening programme: a qualitative study

To investigate the impact on women, and their healthcare providers, of initial-reactive HIV test results which required re-testing in the New Zealand antenatal HIV screening programme.

Women with initial-reactive HIV test results from 2007 to 2011 were identified through the antenatal HIV screening programme. Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with seven women and 30 healthcare providers. Responses to questions were written verbatim. Three researchers undertook preliminary coding of the interviews and identified common themes which were applied to the transcripts and key excerpts obtained.

All of the women interviewed experienced considerable anxiety upon receiving the result, but the extent of this anxiety was rarely appreciated by their healthcare provider. Their main worries were for their own health, that of their children and family, and their relationship with a spouse or partner. Despite this stressful experience, support for the screening programme was strong. Adequate information and timely receipt of results were identified as vital. Healthcare providers also supported the programme but stressed that clear, timely and personal communication with laboratory personnel was important.

The ideal way to alleviate anxiety in women from re-testing is to limit the need for this by obtaining as much information as possible from the original sample. If re-testing is necessary, healthcare providers need to appreciate the anxiety that will arise, ensure that they have the best possible information and communicate this to the women, as soon as is practicable, in an easily understood manner.