Determinants of antepartum human immunodeficiency virus testing in a non-Medicaid obstetric population.
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.
Cardonick
E
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. cardoni1@jeflin.tju.edu
Daly
S
S
Dooley
M
M
Elles
K
K
Silverman
N S
NS
D001803:Blood Transfusion; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017533:Marital Status; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000150:complications; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires