 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Karin E. Tobin, MHS, Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 1629 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, 410-502-5368, ktobin@jhsph.edu, Alice M Tang, PhD, Dept. of Family Medicine and Community Health, Tufts School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Posner 4, Boston, MA 02111, and Carl A Latkin, PhD, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Room 737, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Background: HIV counseling has been shown to be effective in reducing individual risk behavior in some populations. Less attention has focused on clients’ understanding about what the test results mean. With the introduction of “rapid testing” into high-risk communities, understanding what information from HIV counseling session is retained should be explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the retained content of HIV counseling sessions among a sample of high-risk clients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1290 high-risk participants in Baltimore Maryland. Participants were asked about their HIV testing experience and the content of those counseling sessions. Results: Of the 1054 (82%) who had ever been tested about half (52%) reported receiving any form of counseling before or after their most recent test. Participants who recalled counseling were more likely to have been tested within the past 12 months (p<0.001) and been approached by an outreach worker (p<0.001). Of those who recalled counseling, the majority reported the counselor discussing HIV risk factors (96%) and personal risk reduction strategies (96%). Only half recalled discussing the window period (52%), how to share results with others (52%), or receiving referrals for other services. Implications: While the prospect of receiving results more quickly may increase testing behavior, especially among high-risk samples, HIV counseling should continue to emphasis how the test works and what the results mean. Specifically for antibody negative clients, the window period should be clearly explained and referrals made to community service organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Counseling
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.