Research Favors Anonymous HIV Testing
University of North Carolina researchers examined trends in HIV testing at public-health clinics during the 16 months that anonymous HIV testing was restricted and during the four months preceding the period.
North Carolina restricted anonymous HIV testing to 18 of its 100 counties between Sept. 1, 1991 and Jan. 1, 1993.
The researchers compared the number of people seeking tests in counties with and without anonymous testing.
The researchers found that HIV testing increased statewide but the trend was more pronounced in counties that had anonymous testing. The percentage of people who agreed to be tested was 64% in counties with anonymous testing, but only 44% in counties without anonymous testing.
Clinicians referring patients to public HIV test sites should be aware of how testing options may affect test-seeking behavior, the researchers concluded. Those making policy decisions affecting the availability of anonymous testing must take into account possible consequences for high-risk and/or vulnerable persons.
The research suggests that if people remain anonymous when getting tested for HIV, they may be more likely to agree to be tested.
American Journal of Public Health (1996;86:1446-1450)
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