Psychological factors in hiv testing among sexually transmitted disease clinic patients: An exploratory study |
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Authors: | Seth C Kalichman Anton Somlai Veral Adair Sheryl S Weir |
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Institution: | 1. Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR) Medical College of Wisconsin;2. City of Milwaukee Health Department , Bureau of Public Health Services |
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Abstract: | Abstract Substantial numbers of persons at risk for HIV infection do not seek HIV testing and factors influencing testing decisions are not well understood. To identify psychological characteristics of persons who remain unwilling to receive HIV testing, we surveyed patients of an inner-city sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic (n = 181). Participants completed an anonymous survey and were grouped on the basis of HIV testing history and compared on measures of testing perceptions, attitudes, and decision making influences. Results showed that untested participants feared testing and had a sense of not knowing if they needed to be tested. In contrast, participants who were getting tested believed that testing would help them feel better about their health. Results also showed that participants lacked accurate information about some HIV testing procedures. We conclude that identifying concerns which inhibit seeking HIV testing can be useful in developing effective methods of promoting HIV testing. |
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Keywords: | HIV antibody testing HIV testing decision making HIV-AIDS prevention Sexually transmitted disease clinic patients |
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