title: Client-provider interactions in provider-initiated and voluntary HIV counseling and testing services in Uganda.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) is based on information-giving while voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) includes individualised client-centered counseling. It is not known if the provider-client experiences, perceptions and client satisfaction with the information provided differs in the two approaches.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2008, we conducted structured interviews with 627 individuals in Uganda; 301 tested through PITC and 326 through voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). We compared client experiences and perceptions based on the essential elements of consent, confidentiality, counseling, and referral for follow-up care. We conducted multivariate analysis for predictors of reporting information or counselling as sufficient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In VCT, 96.6% (282) said they were asked for consent compared to 91.3% (198) in PITC (P = 0.01). About the information provided, 92.0% (286) in VCT found it sufficient compared to 78.7% (221) in PITC (P = <0.01). In VCT 79.9% (246) thought their results were kept confidential compared to 71.7% (200) in PITC (P = 0.02). Eighty percent (64) of HIV infected VCT clients said they were referred for follow-up care versus 87.3% (48) in PITC (p = 0.2). Predictors of perceived adequacy of information in PITC included an opportunity to ask questions (adj.RR 1.76, CI 1.41, 2.18) and expecting the test results received (adj.RR 1.18, CI 1.06, 1.33). For VCT significant factors included being given an opportunity to ask questions (adj.RR 1.62, CI 1.00, 2.60) and 3+ prior times tested, (adj.RR 1.05, CI 1.00, 1.09).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates good practices in the essential elements of HIV testing for both VCT and PITC. However, further quality enhancement is required in both testing approaches in relation to referral to HIV care post-test, client confidence in relation to confidentiality, and providing an opportunity to ask questions to address client-specific information needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, P,O, Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. rwanyenze@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Rhoda K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Wanyenze
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kyaddondo
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kinsman
authors.forename: Fredrick
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Makumbi
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Colebunders
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hardon
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000523:psychology; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000523:psychology; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D035141:Voluntary Programs; D055815:Young Adult