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HIV antibody testing: Genito-Urinary Clinic or additional site same-day testing service
M M Hudson1, W L Nelson, C J Ronalds
1Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
AIDS Care
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Anonymous HIV testing services attract more homosexual/bisexual men, while Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinics serve more individuals with African sexual contact history. Offering both services optimizes patient choice for HIV antibody testing.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Sexual Health Services
Background:
- Anonymous HIV testing services may cater to specific risk groups not attending traditional Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics.
- Understanding demographic and risk profiles of attendees at different HIV testing sites is crucial for service planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sociodemographic profile and risk categories of individuals undergoing HIV antibody testing at a GUM Clinic versus an attached, same-day anonymous HIV testing service.
- To assess patient choice and utilization patterns between the two distinct HIV testing service models.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case record analysis of HIV antibody tests conducted over 12 months (1.10.93-30.9.94).
- Comparison of 954 attendees at an additional site same-day HIV testing service with 803 attendees at a GUM Clinic within the same hospital.
- Analysis of sociodemographic data, risk factors (homosexuality/bisexuality, sexual contact in Africa), and pre-attendance decision-making.
Main Results:
- The additional site service had a significantly higher proportion of homosexual/bisexual males (22.9% vs 15.9%, p<0.01).
- GUM Clinic attendees had a higher proportion reporting sexual contact in Africa (65% vs 2.3%, p<0.001).
- Individuals who decided to test before attending were 2.5 times more likely to use the additional same-day service compared to the GUM Clinic.
Conclusions:
- Different HIV testing service models attract distinct patient populations.
- Availability of both GUM Clinics and additional anonymous testing sites enhances patient choice and potentially optimizes HIV testing uptake.
- Service provision should consider diverse patient needs and preferences for effective HIV screening programs.