Organizational predictors of prenatal HIV counseling and testing.
OBJECTIVE
Efforts to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV include implementation of prenatal counseling and testing programs. The objective of this study was to assess organizational predictors of HIV counseling and testing.


METHODS
Surveillance records were collected on 5900 prenatal patients from 9 hospital and community clinics in Connecticut.


RESULTS
Some organizational factors (e.g., type of clinic, dedicated staff) that enhanced counseling rates had the opposite effect on test acceptance. For instance, patients were more likely to be counseled when counseling was conducted by providers; however, test acceptance was more likely when dedicated counselors were available.


CONCLUSIONS
These results provide important information concerning clinic resources needed as HIV counseling and testing services continue to be incorporated into prenatal care.
Ethier
K A
KA
Behavioral Interventions and Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga. 30329, USA. kethier@cdc.gov
Fox-Tierney
R
R
Nicholas
W C
WC
Salisbury
K M
KM
Ickovics
J R
JR
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002648:Child; D003237:Connecticut; D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload