Name-based reporting of HIV-positive test results as a deterrent to testing.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated attitudes toward name-based reporting of HIV.


METHODS
One hundred thirty high-risk, male repeat testers received information on the public health benefits of name-based reporting and reported their intentions to test.


RESULTS
Of the 67 men who were randomly selected and asked their intentions before hearing the benefits, 63% said they would not test if reporting were required. After hearing the benefits, 19% changed their minds (P < .014). Of the 63 men who were asked only after hearing the benefits, 44% would not test.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementing name-based reporting without working before-hand to change attitudes could undermine the benefits of both testing and HIV surveillance.
Woods
W J
WJ
University of California San Francisco, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies 94105, USA. bwoods@psg.ucsf.edu
Dilley
J W
JW
Lihatsh
T
T
Sabatino
J
J
Adler
B
B
Rinaldi
J
J
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D035041:Anonymous Testing; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003219:Confidentiality; D018563:Disease Notification / Q000379:methods*; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011635:Public Health Administration; D014505:Urban Population