African and Caribbean Nurses' Decisions about HIV Testing: A Mixed Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Nurses in Jamaica, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda are at risk of occupational human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposure.
• Limited understanding exists regarding nurses' experiences and policy support for HIV testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore contextual influences on nurses' decision-making processes regarding HIV testing.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among nurses in selected African countries.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining individual and focus group interviews.
• Data were collected using questionnaires on workplace policies, quality assurance, and a human resource management assessment tool.

Main Results:

• Fear of a positive diagnosis, stigma, and lack of confidentiality were significant barriers to HIV testing.
• Gaps in the policy environment contributed to indecision about testing among nurses.
• Significant variations in policy support were observed across the studied countries.

Conclusions:

• Addressing institutional support is crucial for effective implementation of HIV testing programs for healthcare workers.
• Further research is needed to understand how human resource management policies impact perceived vulnerability for HIV-positive staff.