A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of alternative HIV counseling and testing methods to increase knowledge of HIV status

While many people get HIV-related counseling and testing, only those who receive pre- and post-test counseling, and test voluntarily, are participating in voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The high rates of HIV infection among youth make it crucial to find programs to prevent infection. Because there is evidence that many adults benefit from VCT, there is increasing interest in extending these services to young people. VCT counseling helps adolescents evaluate their own behavior and its consequences. A negative test result offers the opportunity to recognize vulnerabilities and develop risk-reduction plans to adopt safe behaviors. Young people who test HIV-positive can receive referrals for care and have opportunities to discuss and understand what their HIV status means and what responsibilities they have to themselves and others as a result. Young women who are pregnant and test HIV-positive should be offered special care to safeguard their own health and minimize the risk of passing the virus to the baby. This report assesses the available evidence about the current status of VCT and youth in developing countries.

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The effectiveness of home-based HIV counseling and testing in reducing stigma and risky sexual behavior among adults and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports ◽

10.11124/01938924-201513060-00017 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 318-372 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Garumma Tolu Feyissa ◽

Craig Lockwood ◽

Zachary Munn

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Sexual Behavior ◽

Risky Sexual Behavior ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hiv Counseling And Testing ◽

Hiv Counseling ◽

Counseling And Testing ◽

Home Based

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Do Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in the United States Understand that HIV Serodiscordance is Possible?

The Open AIDS Journal ◽

10.2174/1874613620130513001 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 14-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Bradley H. Wagenaar ◽

Kristina L. Grabbe ◽

Rob Stephenson ◽

Christine M. Khosropour ◽

Patrick S. Sullivan

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Online Survey ◽

The United States ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Male Couples ◽

Hiv Counseling And Testing ◽

Hiv Counseling ◽

Counseling And Testing ◽

Sex With Men

Background Little is currently known about the extent to which US MSM understand the possibility that a long-term sex partner can have an HIV status different than one’s own status. This information is important in the adaptation of Couples Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (CVCT) for US MSM. Methods 428 US MSM completed an online survey using MySpace.com from March-April, 2009. Results Of 426 MSM with complete data, 21.1% (90) were not definitively aware that serodiscordance is possible. Factors associated with a lack of understanding that serodiscordance is possible were: never having tested for HIV (OR: 2.0; CI: 1.1, 3.8), compared to testing 0-6 months previously and having a high school education or less (OR: 2.2; CI: 1.1, 4.5), compared to men who had completed at least some college. Conclusions A large proportion of young, internet-using MSM in the United States may not understand that HIV serodiscordance is possible within sexual partnerships. Based on these results, we recommend that CVCT provided to male couples in the United States should include education on HIV serodiscordance.

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