scholarly journals Learning from Others' HIV Testing: Updating Beliefs and Responding to Risk

2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Godlonton ◽  
Rebecca L Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Learning From Others ◽  
Hiv Negative ◽  
Hiv Aids

An individual who takes an HIV test can be informed about their own status and risk. Similarly, when friends, family or neighbors learn of a person's HIV status, they may update their beliefs about HIV infection among people they know. Using an experiment conducted in rural Malawi which randomly assigned incentives to learn HIV results, we find that as people in the community learn their HIV results, individuals revise their beliefs downward about deaths attributable to HIV/AIDS. We find corresponding behavioral responses with a significant decrease in condom use and no significant increase in multiple partnerships among those who are HIV-negative.

scholarly journals Documentation of HIV Testing and Treatment Status Among Patients Presenting for Cancer Care in Uganda

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 58s-58s
Author(s):  
Matine J. Ghadrshenas ◽  
Rachel A. Bender Ignacio ◽  
Daniel H. Low ◽  
Warren Phipps ◽  
Jackson Orem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Cancer Knowledge ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Hiv Patients ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract 23 HIV increases the incidence and mortality of cancer; knowledge of HIV status and treatment is essential for management of patients with HIV-associated malignancies (HIVAM). In Uganda, where the prevalence of HIV infection is 7.4%, the incidence of AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) is high, and non-AIDS defining cancers (NADCs) are increasingly common. We investigated how often cancer providers documented HIV status and clinical parameters of HIV infection among patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Medical records of patients aged ≥18 who registered at the UCI June - September 2015 were abstracted for demographics and cancer and HIV parameters. We calculated binomial proportions and used χ2 tests to evaluate factors associated with HIV. Among 1,130 patients in this analysis, 71% of charts documented HIV status. Of those documenting HIV status, 32% were HIV+, and 58% of HIV+ individuals had an ADC. The documented HIV prevalence in NADCs was 21%. Women were more likely to lack HIV results (RR 1.32, p=0.009); 36% of women lacked results, including 40% with cervical cancer. HIV+ patients were younger than HIV-negative patients (median age 41 vs. 49, p<0.001). 62% of HIV-infected patients had a CD4 count recorded; CD4 counts were lower among persons with ADC (median 270 cells/ml, IQR 80-460) compared with NADC (median 370, IQR 215-564), p=0.006. There was no difference in the proportion of HIV patients with ADCs and NADCs receiving ART (both 86%, p=0.45). HIV prevalence was 4.5 times higher in Ugandan cancer patients with documented status than in the general population. Though the majority of cancer patients had HIV testing performed, gaps remained in documenting HIV status, even among cancers considered AIDS-defining in HIV. This study highlights opportunities to educate cancer clinicians in Africa on the burden of HIV in cancer patients and opportunities to coordinate management of both cancer and HIV. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Matine J. Ghadrshenas No relationship to disclose Rachel A. Bender Ignacio No relationship to disclose Daniel H. Low No relationship to disclose Warren Phipps No relationship to disclose Jackson Orem No relationship to disclose Ann Duerr No relationship to disclose Corey Casper Leadership: Temptime Consulting or Advisory Role: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Research Funding: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Temptime Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline

scholarly journals SURPRISING RESULTS: HIV TESTING AND CHANGES IN CONTRACEPTIVE PRACTICES AMONG YOUNG WOMEN IN MALAWI

2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christie Sennott ◽  
Sara Yeatman
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Unexpected Result ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
New Information ◽  
Hiv Test

SummaryThis study uses eight waves of data from the population-based Tsogolo la Thanzi study (2009–2011) in rural Malawi to examine changes in young women’s contraceptive practices, including the use of condoms, non-barrier contraceptive methods and abstinence, following positive and negative HIV tests. The analysis factors in women’s prior perceptions of their HIV status that may already be shaping their behaviour and separates surprise HIV test results from those that merely confirm what was already believed. Fixed-effects logistic regression models show that HIV testing frequently affects the contraceptive practices of young Malawian women, particularly when the test yields an unexpected result. Specifically, women who are surprised to test HIV positive increase their condom use and are more likely to use condoms consistently. Following an HIV-negative test (whether a surprise or expected), women increase their use of condoms and decrease their use of non-barrier contraceptives; the latter may be due to an increase in abstinence following a surprise negative result. Changes in condom use following HIV testing are robust to the inclusion of potential explanatory mechanisms, including fertility preferences, relationship status and the perception that a partner is HIV positive. The results demonstrate that both positive and negative tests can influence women’s sexual and reproductive behaviours, and emphasize the importance of conceptualizing of HIV testing as offering new information only insofar as results deviate from prior perceptions of HIV status.

scholarly journals ‘It is not fashionable to suffer nowadays’: Community motivations to repeatedly participate in outreach HIV testing indicate UHC potential in Tanzania

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261408
Author(s):  
Josien de Klerk ◽  
Arianna Bortolani ◽  
Judith Meta ◽  
Tusajigwe Erio ◽  
Tobias Rinke de Wit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Multidisciplinary Study ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Hiv Negative

Objective This study examined people’s motivations for (repeatedly) utilizing HIV testing services during community-based testing events in urban and rural Shinyanga, Tanzania and potential implications for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Methods As part of a broader multidisciplinary study on the implementation of a HIV Test and Treat model in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania, this ethnographic study focused on community-based testing campaigns organised by the implementing partner. Between April 2018 and December 2019, we conducted structured observations (24), short questionnaires (42) and in-depth interviews with HIV-positive (23) and HIV-negative clients (8). Observations focused on motivations for (re-)testing, and the counselling and testing process. Thematic analysis based on inductive and deductive coding was completed using NVivo software. Results Regular HIV testing was encouraged by counsellors. Most participants in testing campaigns were HIV-negative; 51.1% had tested more than once over their lifetimes. Testing campaigns provided an accessible way to learn one’s HIV status. Motivations for repeat testing included: monitoring personal health to achieve (temporary) reassurance, having low levels of trust toward sexual partners, feeling at risk, seeking proof of (ill)-health, and acting responsibly. Repeat testers also associated testing with a desire to start treatment early to preserve a healthy-looking body, should they prove HIV positive. Conclusions Community-based testing campaigns serve three valuable functions related to HIV prevention and treatment: 1) enable community members to check their HIV status regularly as part of a personalized prevention strategy that reinforces responsible behaviour; 2) identify recently sero-converted clients who would not otherwise be targeted; and 3) engage community with general prevention and care messaging and services. This model could be expanded to include routine management of other (chronic) diseases and provide an entry for scaling up UHC.

scholarly journals Repeat HIV testing of individuals with discrepant HIV self-test results in Central Uganda

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Kisa ◽  
Joseph K. B. Matovu ◽  
Esther Buregyeya ◽  
William Musoke ◽  
Caroline J. Vrana-Diaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Weak Band ◽  
Rapid Hiv Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Dna Pcr ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background According to the user instructions from the manufacturer of OraQuick HIV self-test (HIVST) kits, individuals whose kits show one red band should be considered to be HIV-negative, no matter how weak the band is. However, recent reports show potential for a second false weak band after storage, thereby creating confusion in the interpretation of results. In this study, we re-tested individuals whose results were initially non-reactive but changed to weak reactive results to determine their true HIV status. Methods This study was nested within a large, cluster-randomized HIVST trial implemented among pregnant women attending antenatal care and their male partners in central Uganda between July 2016 and February 2017. Ninety-five initially HIV-negative respondents were enrolled into this study, including 52 whose kits developed a second weak band while in storage and 43 whose kits were interpreted as HIV-positive by interviewers at the next follow-up interview. Respondents were invited to return for repeat HIVST which was performed under the observation of a trained nurse counsellor. After HIVST, respondents underwent blood-based rapid HIV testing as per the national HIV testing algorithm (Determine (Abbot Laboratories), STAT-PAK (Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc.) and Unigold (Trinity Biotech plc.) and dry blood spots were obtained for DNA/PCR testing. DNA/PCR was considered as the gold-standard HIV testing method. Results After repeat HIVST, 90 (94.7%) tested HIV-negative; 2 (2.1%) tested HIV-positive; and 3 (3.2%) had missing HIV test results. When respondents were subjected to blood-based rapid HIV testing, 97.9% (93/95) tested HIV-negative while 2.1% (2/95) tested HIV-positive. Finally, when the respondents were subjected to DNA/PCR, 99% (94/95) tested HIV-negative while 1.1% (1/95) tested HIV-positive. Conclusions Nearly all initially HIV-negative individuals whose HIVST kits developed a second weak band while in storage or were interpreted as HIV-positive by interviewers were found to be HIV-negative after confirmatory DNA/PCR HIV testing. These findings suggest a need for HIV-negative individuals whose HIVST results change to false positive while under storage or under other sub-optimal conditions to be provided with an option for repeat testing to determine their true HIV status.

Observational study of the populations accessing rapid point-of-care HIV testing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, through a retrospective chart review of site records

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Blain Johnston ◽  
Joss N Reimer ◽  
John L Wylie ◽  
Jared Bullard
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Test

ObjectivesHIV point-of-care testing (POCT) has been available in Manitoba since 2008. This study evaluated the effectiveness of POCT at identifying individuals with previously unknown HIV status, its effects on clinical outcomes and the characteristics of the populations reached.MethodsA retrospective database review was conducted for individuals who received HIV POCT from 2011 to 2014. Time to linkage to care and viral load suppression were compared between individuals who tested positive for HIV using POCT and controls identified as positive through standard screening. Testing outcomes for labouring women with undocumented HIV status accessing POCT during labour were also assessed.Results3204 individuals received POCT (1055 females (32.9%) and 2149 males (67.1%)), being the first recorded HIV test for 2205 (68.8%). Males were more likely to be targeted with POCT as their first recorded HIV test (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.40). Between the two main test sites (Main Street Project (MSP) and Nine Circles Community Health Centre), MSP tested relatively fewer males (AOR 0.79) but a higher proportion of members of all age groups over 30 years old (AOR 1.83, 2.51 and 3.64 for age groups 30–39, 40–49 and >50, respectively). There was no difference in time to linkage to care (p=0.345) or viral load suppression (p=0.405) between the POCT and standard screening cohorts. Of 215 women presenting in labour with unknown HIV status, one was identified as HIV positive.ConclusionsPOCT in Manitoba has been successful at identifying individuals with previously unknown HIV-positive status. Demographic differences between the two main testing sites support that this intervention is reaching unique populations. Given that we observed no significant difference in time to clinical outcomes, it is reasonable to continue using POCT as a targeted intervention.MeSH termsHIV infection; rapid HIV testing; vertical infectious disease transmission; community outreach; service delivery; marginalised populations.

Symptomatic primary HIV infection or risk experiences? Circumstances surrounding HIV testing and diagnosis among recent seroconverters

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 601-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann N Burchell ◽  
Liviana Calzavara ◽  
Nancy Ramuscak ◽  
Ted Myers ◽  
Carol Major ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Primary Hiv Infection ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Physician Awareness ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Hiv Negative

Our objective was to understand the circumstances surrounding HIV testing among recent HIV seroconverters ( n = 80) compared to HIV-negative controls ( n = 106) in Ontario, Canada using self-reported interview data. Diagnosis of symptomatic primary HIV infection (SPHI) was defined as diagnosis by the participant's physician. Testing in response to symptoms was reported by 42% of seroconverters vs 12% of controls. More controls than seroconverters tested in response to risk behaviour (70% vs 50%) or from a desire to know their status (34% vs 12%). Among seroconverters, 76% reported 'flu-like' illness during the time period of infection, 66% had symptoms consistent with SPHI, and 35% reported a physician's diagnosis of SPHI. Compared to seroconverters with undiagnosed SPHI, more of those diagnosed with SPHI had rash (odds ratio = 4.5). SPHI plays a significant role in HIV testing and subsequent early diagnosis in this population. More seroconversions could be diagnosed with better patient and physician awareness of its symptoms.

scholarly journals The study of life quality parameters in children and adolescents with HIV associated tuberculosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 14-17
Author(s):  
D. N. Аdzhablaeva
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quality Of Life Inventory ◽  
Life Inventory ◽  
Hiv Negative

The objective of the study: to perform comparative assessment of life quality (LQ) associated with health of children and adolescents suffering from tuberculosis, both HIV negative and HIV positive.Subjects and methods. In 2017-2019, the cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Pediatric Department of Samarkand Regional TB Dispensary, the study was aimed to assess life quality associated with health in 70 children and adolescents at the age from 5 to 18 years old. 35 of them had tuberculosis and HIV infection (TB/HIV Group), 35 had tuberculosis and negative HIV status. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory – PedsQL was used to assess the life quality.Conclusion. The combination of HIV infection and tuberculosis has a more pronounced effect on the physical and mental functioning of patients and worsens the life quality of children and adolescents to a greater extent than tuberculosis. 

scholarly journals Predictors Of Provider-Initiated Hiv Testing In Heterosexuals At Increased Risk Of Hiv (Het) In Puerto Rico: Data From Nhbs-Het Cycle 2016

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Marie Canario de la Torre ◽  
Ivony Yireth Agudelo Salas ◽  
Sandra Miranda de León ◽  
Yadira Rolón Colón ◽  
María Pabón Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
World Health ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established guidelines for HIV testing in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to identify the sociodemographic, healthcare, and sexual-behavior predictors of provider-initiated HIV testing (PIHT) using data from the Puerto Rico National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (PR-NHBS) 2016 cycle directed towards heterosexuals at increased risk of HIV infection (HET). A total sample of 531 eligible participants were recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Logistic regression models assessed the associations between sociodemographic, healthcare, and sexual-behavior predictors, whilst adjusting for sex and age. The majority of the participants were women (66.1%), with 72.7% reporting having received healthcare services in the past year. Of them, 18.7% had received an HIV-test offer from their healthcare providers. More than half of the participants (65.2%) reported a low perceived risk of getting infected with HIV in the next 12 months. Results suggest an overall low prevalence of PIHT among HET in PR who exhibited a relatively high prevalence of low perceived risk of HIV infection. Furthermore, the assessed predictors show that individuals who engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30–0.90) were less likely to receive HIV-test offers from their providers. This study further emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to follow recommended guidelines for HIV testing in healthcare settings as a means of establishing preventive measures to further counteract the HIV epidemic in Puerto Rico, specifically among HET.

scholarly journals What happens after HIV self-testing? Results from a longitudinal cohort of Chinese men who have sex with men

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Haidong Lu ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
Dan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Consistent Condom Use ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising approach to expand HIV testing. HIVST is a process in which a person performs an HIV test and interprets the result. Negative HIVST results may encourage men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV prevention services. The objective of this study was to examine behaviors (e.g., facility-based HIV testing, condom use) after a negative HIVST test result among Chinese MSM. Methods We collected data from MSM in eight Chinese cities over a 12-month period. This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort data collected as part of an intervention trial to increase HIV testing. Men completed a survey that described sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, HIV self-testing, and facility-based HIV testing. Men who completed at least one follow-up survey were included in this analysis. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate whether HIVST increased subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. Results We included 1219 men. Most men (78.7%) were under 30 years old and had never been married (87.0%). 755 (61.9%) men tested for HIV and 593 (49.3%) men self-tested during the study period. At baseline, among men who had never been tested for HIV, 44.9% (314/699) initiated HIVST during the study period. HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based testing (aOR of 1.87, 95% CI: 1.47–2.37). HIVST was also associated with subsequent consistent condom use (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13–2.06). Conclusion HIVST was associated with subsequent facility-based HIV testing and consistent condom use. HIVST may enhance uptake of related HIV prevention services at facilities, suggesting the need for more implementation research.

Prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among college students: an exploratory study

Sexual Health ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Kim H. Miller ◽  
Ruth R. Staten ◽  
Melody Noland
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Vaginal Sex

Objectives: Whether college students who are most at-risk of HIV infection are being tested is unknown. This exploratory study identified the prevalence and correlates of ever having an HIV test among college students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a probability sample of 903 college students. Measures of sexual risk behaviour were assessed. Results: Of the students surveyed, 22.5% reported they had been tested for HIV. Testing was more likely among those 20 years of age or older (27.8% v. 14.7%; P = 0.0001), females (25.4% v. 17.8%; P = 0.01), and members of racial/ethnic minorities (42.7% v. 20.3%; P = 0.0001). After adjusting for these covariates, those who reported ever having vaginal sex (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI = 3.1–9.6); anal sex (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.6–3.6), and oral sex (AOR = 6.3; 95% CI = 3.0–13.3) were significantly more likely to report being tested. Students having vaginal sex in the past 12 months were significantly more likely to report testing (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI = 3.1–9.1). Those reporting vaginal sexual debut (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2–3.1) or oral sexual debut (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1–2.5) ≤age 15 were significantly more likely to be tested. Students reporting four or more sex partners were significantly more likely to be tested than sexually experienced students reporting fewer partners (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.2–4.6). Finally, those reporting at least one episode of forced vaginal sex (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI = 2.1–7.2) and reporting at least one episode of any forced sex (vaginal, anal, oral) (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.8–5.0) were significantly more likely to report being tested. Conclusions: Within this population, demographically controlled findings suggest that those most at-risk of HIV infection are indeed being tested for the virus.

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