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Determinants of antepartum human immunodeficiency virus testing in a non-Medicaid obstetric population
E Cardonick1, S Daly, M Dooley
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. cardoni1@jeflin.tju.edu
Objective:
To determine voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing rates and factors influencing testing in a private obstetric practice.
Methods:
Antepartum patients were offered HIV testing after completing a self-assessment questionnaire. Perceived risks and demographics were correlated with testing rates.
Results:
Overall, 348/600 (58%) women consented to HIV testing. In a univariate analysis, patients with "any" perceived risk(s) were more likely to be tested. Single women and those with an at-risk partner(s) or a history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) were more likely to desire testing. These factors remained independently associated with voluntary testing in a multivariate regression model. No patients tested positive for HIV.
Conclusions:
In our private obstetric practice, 26% of women perceived themselves at risk for HIV infection, and testing rates depended on the various risks identified. A history of STDs or an at-risk sexual partner were stronger predictors of voluntary testing than was marital status. Focused HIV counseling among pregnant women at relatively low risk for infection may be possible.
