Objectives: To compare the HIV-negative testing experiences of recent seroconverters and matched controls.
Methods: Interviews were conducted with seroconverters (SCs) and matched negative controls identified through Ontario's provincial HIV diagnostic laboratory and recruited by physicians and ASOs. The testing experiences of 39 SCs and 43 controls were compared using descriptive statistics.
Results: 15% of the participants are females. Mean age was 36.8 years (range=18-65). 74% of the SCs identified their risk event as MSM, 13% IDU, and 13% heterosexual. No differences were found in the number of previous HIV- negative tests reported by SCs (mean=5.7; range=1-20) and controls (mean=6.6; range=1-30), or in the location of the last test. 67% tested at a doctors office, 15% a medical clinic, 13% an anonymous test site, and 5% a hospital. Reasons for testing were sexual behavior, health, emotional, and relationship issues. 43% had received information to reduce future exposure to HIV. Provision of risk prevention was associated with type of test site (p=0.005), number of previous tests (p=0.05) but not eventual serostatus (p=0.10).
Conclusions: The large number of seroconverters who reported not being counseled regarding risk behaviors suggests that testing could play a more significant role in reducing HIV incidence.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session participants will: 1) evaluate the role of HIV pre and post-test counseling in assisting to reduce the incidence of HIV risk behaviour 2) Identify ways in which their organizations(s) can improve the counseling experience
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Counseling
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.