This study was sparked initially after evaluating HIV education, testing and counseling (HIV ETC) training in Houston. Out of 832 reported Houston area HIV+ women in 2000, 64 had perinatal exposure. [9.4%White, 68.8%Black, 20.3%Hispanic, 0Asian, 1.6%Native American] Because of the importance of knowing HIV status of pregnant women, various patient ed and professional ed methods have been tried to influence HIV ETC. Training included awareness of risk, sex history, interviewing skills, counseling, benefits of testing, obtaining permission, dealing with refusals and liability risks. At six City clinics, acceptance of HIV tests by pregnant women has ranged from 6% [997 in 1995] to 69% [7,655 in 2000]. This study focuses on the SURVEYS of providers and medical students (who rotate through the City health department) to assess perceptions of barriers of HIV testing. This presentation highlights findings from the surveys, clients, knowledge, beliefs and practices. The most common reason, thus far, why providers do not recommend HIV test is that the woman said she was "already tested" or the medical record documents previous test. A "Perinatal HIV Curriculum" has been developed to follow up survey sessions and reinforce importance of offering testing during each pregnancy. Samples of survey, curriculum, women's health and professional education materials will be distributed to session participants.
Learning Objectives: Objectives: 1) Summarize barriers to HIV testing in pregnant women. 2) Describe survey and training of providers, nurses & medical students to increase HIV tests. 3) Obtain samples of provider and patient education materials.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Prenatal Care
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.