AIDS patient care and STDs
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AIDS Patient Care STDS · May 2009
Women's opinions about routine HIV testing during pregnancy: implications for the opt-out approach.
The 1995 United States Public Health Service (USPHS) recommendation regarding HIV testing for pregnant women was revised in 2003 calling for routine HIV testing for pregnant women with patient notification. Routine testing (opt-out screening) offers women the opportunity to decline HIV testing but eliminates the requirement of pretest counseling and separate written consent. To assess women's opinions about the opt-out approach to HIV testing during pregnancy, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in May-June 2004 at 14 geographically diverse clinics funded by Ryan White CARE Act (RWCA) Part C and Part D agreements. ⋯ Approximately half of the respondents indicated that HIV tests are different from other tests and that women need more information prior to testing. Results demonstrated clear consensus in support of routine testing. Increased efforts to disseminate resources to providers coupled with providers' effective communication of information to pregnant women can build on the support that women have conveyed for HIV testing during pregnancy.