Abstract
Due to lack of previous research, this study examined the factors associated with non-compliance in follow up human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among health care workers after blood and/or body fluid exposure. A descriptive correlation design was used with 178 health care workers who did not return for recommended follow up HIV testing post-blood and/or body fluid exposure at three urban hospitals. The 36 question Likert scale was designed to measure the five concepts of the Health Belief Model: susceptibility, seriousness, benefit, barriers, and health motivation. The internal consistency reliability measured .48. Forty five subjects (25%) returned the questionnaire. The most significant factor determined to affect return rate for follow up testing was related to benefits and susceptibility (F=4.57, df=2,42, R=.42, P=.02). Return rate was most significantly correlated with the idea of decreasing the chance of dying from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (r= .31, P=.04). Similar results of recommended future studies may indicate changes in post-exposure education or institutional policies and procedures.