158096 HIV counseling and testing during antenatal care in Vietnam: Who received it and who didn't?

Monday, November 5, 2007

Mai Do, DrPH , International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Hongyun Fu, M A , Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Lung Duy Vu, MD, MPH , Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Background: Knowing a pregnant woman's HIV status is important to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Despite a growing number of counseling and testing sites in Vietnam, few people have ever used these services. This study examines the current level and determinants of HIV counseling and testing among pregnant women in Vietnam.

Methods: Data come from the 2005 Vietnam Population and AIDS Indicator Survey, which includes 933 women who recently gave birth and sought ANC during pregnancy. Two-level multivariate analysis is employed to examine determinants of HIV counseling and testing.

Results: 10% of women who sought ANC were counseled and offered a HIV test; very few were counseled after the test. Women from urban, wealthier households, and with higher education were more likely to be counseled and offered the test. Knowledge of mother-to-child transmission also increased the chance of being tested (OR=2.64; p<.01). The vast majority of HIV testing took place at government hospitals; HIV testing in the private sector was minimal, despite increasing use of ANC in the private sector.

Discussions: Much work remains to be done to promote HIV counseling and testing among the population and health care providers. Women who were now counseled and tested for HIV may actually be at lower risk of infection. These services should be expanded in public and private sectors without discriminating any groups of women.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of my presentation, participants will be able to: 1) examine the current level of, and individual and community characteristics that may influence HIV counseling and testing as part of antenatal care (ANC) in Vietnam, and 2) discuss implications for the expansion of HIV counseling and testing for pregnant women in public and private health care sectors.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: HIV and Reproductive Health Issues
See more of: HIV/AIDS