title: Following-up for HIV test results: what limits return in an STD clinic population?
abstract: HIV testing is routinely performed in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, but many tested do not follow up for results. We analysed data on STD clinic patients undergoing HIV testing between 1994-1998 who tested HIV-negative to describe characteristics associated with 'non-return' for results. Among 31,777 patients testing HIV-negative, male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19, 1.33), age <30 years (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.43, 1.82), and a diagnosis of gonorrhoea at the testing visit (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.43, 1.82) were all independently associated with 'non-return.' Presentation to clinic specifically for HIV testing (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.63, 0.77) or reporting a partner with HIV (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.53, 0.74) were factors independently protective against 'non-return.' Operational changes to improve test results notification, or enhanced counselling at the initial test visit, particularly focusing on young men with gonorrhoea, may optimize prevention outcomes in this high risk population.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. eerbeldi@jhmi.edu
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Erbelding
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zenilman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control