title: Analysis of theory utilization among prenatal HIV-testing research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To ascertain extent and quality of theory utilization among published empirical studies specific to prenatal HIV testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic literature search for peer-reviewed articles was performed. Articles with "perceived barriers" construct to prenatal HIV testing from perspective of potential testees were sought.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most studies mention constructs, but not specific theory. Few studies clearly reported how operationalized constructs were used within their studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Paucity of theory utilization points to a breach of the "science" in the scientific process. Researchers either failed to adequately use theory or did so but failed to describe how.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health, Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. didelissaint@hlkn.tamu.edu
authors.forename: Dieula
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Delissaint
authors.forename: E Lisako J
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: McKyer
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis