The Potential Requirement for HIV Counselling and Voluntary Testing in Women of Childbearing Age

Abstract

This paper compares estimates of the potential HIV counselling and testing requirements in a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic, where a formal HIV counselling service is provided, and in an antenatal clinic (ANC), where there is no formal HIV counselling service. Data were collected by means of questionnaires completed by women attending both clinics.

Only 31% and 16% of counselling needs were being met at the GUM clinic and antenatal clinic respectively. At the GUM clinic 11% of respondents had had an HIV antibody test, and at the antenatal clinic 1% had been tested. In contrast 68% and 58% of respondents at the GUM and antenatal clinics respectively would accept the offer of an HIV antibody test.

In low prevalence areas the universal offer of testing would greatly increase specialist counselling requirements, but alternative models of provision and selective testing may lead to a more efficient use of resources.