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Physician attitudes toward human immunodeficiency virus testing in pregnancy
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Most physicians support mandatory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing for pregnant women to prevent transmission. Over 90% favor public health reporting of HIV-positive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Maternal-fetal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern.
- Physician attitudes are crucial in implementing effective HIV testing protocols for pregnant individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physician perspectives on voluntary versus mandatory HIV testing for pregnant women.
- To understand factors influencing these attitudes, including practice environment and knowledge of treatment guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to obstetrician-gynecologists in District IX of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Questionnaires explored experiences with HIV-positive pregnant patients, practice characteristics, and antiviral agent use.
Main Results:
- Physician attitudes towards HIV testing were influenced by their practice setting.
- Two-thirds of respondents favored mandatory HIV testing for all pregnant patients.
- Over 90% supported public health reporting of all HIV-positive individuals, though some were unaware of current California HIV codes.
Conclusions:
- Strong physician support exists for mandatory HIV testing in pregnant women.
- Mandatory testing is viewed as a primary strategy to reduce maternal-fetal HIV transmission and associated costs.