 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Andrew A. Fisher, ScD1, Robert A. Miller, DrPH2, Lewis Ndhlovu, PhD3, Catherine Searle3, and Ester Snyman4. (1) Horizons Program, Population Council, 4301 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 280, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 237-9400, afisher@pcdc.org, (2) Senior Associate, International Programs Division, Population Council, 1 Dag Hamarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, (3) International Programs/Horizons Program, Population Council, P.O. Box 411744, Craighall 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa, (4) Maternal, Child and Women's Health, KwaZulu Natal Department of Health, P Bag X54316, Durban 4000, South Africa
The integration of HIV information with STI services provides an opportunity for educating women about prevention and treatment. While many health facilities claim to provide integrated services, it is often found that they do so infrequently.
A Situation Analysis study conducted in 2002 was designed to examine the extent to which HIV services were available at 59 randomly selected KZN clinics providing STI services. Data were collected through observation of provider-client interactions and exit interviews with 87 female clients. Overall, in 79% of the provider-client interactions the provider discussed STI and HIV risks, and 86% of the time condoms were mentioned as a means of STI/HIV prevention. However, multiple partners as a risk factor was mentioned in only 42% of the interactions, condom negotiation skills was discussed 24% of the time, and how to use a condom was demonstrated in only 13% of the interactions. Additionally, partner violence was only discussed 5% of the time with female clients. As for service provision, while 48 percent of the female clients received a GYN exam, only 10 percent of all 96 clients were given an HIV test and only 8 percent were given pre and post test counseling.
The study suggests that while there is some integration of HIV information, there is far less integration of HIV services in STI settings. Also, providers appear reluctant to discuss sensitive issues such as gender violence or condom negotiation skills. The policy and programmatic implications of these and other findings are discussed.
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.