Abstract
Background: Transmission of HIV in South Africa continues to be high due to a large proportion of individuals living with undiagnosed HIV. Uptake of HIV testing is influenced by a multitude of factors including the patient's knowledge and beliefs about HIV. Methods: This study sought to quantify the impact of knowledge and attitudes on HIV testing acceptance in an emergency department by co-administering a validated HIV knowledge and attitudes survey to patients who were subsequently offered HIV testing. Results: During the study period 223 patients were interviewed and offered HIV testing. Individuals reporting more negative overall attitudes (p = 0.006), higher levels of stigma to HIV testing (p < 0.001), and individuals who believed their test was confidential (p < 0.001) were more likely to accept an HIV test. Conclusions: Interventions focused on improving patient perceptions around testing confidentiality will likely have the greatest impact on testing acceptance in the emergency department.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 1066 |
Journal | BMC public health |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 6 2020 |
Keywords
- Emergency departments
- HIV attitudes
- HIV knowledge
- HIV testing
- Testing acceptance
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health