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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Rebecca M. Carabez, RN PhD(c) and Mary Castle White, RN, PhD. School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, P.O. Box 882022, San Francisco, CA 94188, (415) 206-5997, RCarabez@aol.com
Statement of Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the proportion of children in San Francisco foster care system referred for HIV testing and to measure HIV seroprevalence from 1987 through 2001. Methods: This study examined records of referrals for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing of infants and children in the San Francisco County foster care system between 1987 and 2001. Data analysis included proportion of children referred for testing and prevalence of HIV infection by demographic data and HIV risk factors. Results: Referrals for HIV tesing were made for 2837 children during time period of 1987 and 2001, on average 19% per year of children entering foster care system. An analysis of referrals reveal that most referrals were infants (0-18 months)with over 80% perinatally drug exposed. Differences in risk factors will be presented. While not all referrals results in testing, of the 2837 referred, 15 (0.5%) children tested positive for HIV. Discussion: Children in foster care, and in particular drug-exposed infants, represent a high risk population for HIV infection. Early and prompt testing in child welfare agencies in recommended. The study has implications for policymakers in child health and child welfare related to screening, testing and follow-up in the foster care system.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.