Acceptability of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing among premarital couples in China
Wu, Z.; Rou, K.; Xu, C.; Lou, W.; Detels, R.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 17(1): 12-21
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 15843107 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.17.1.12.58686Document Number: 240311
Premarital counselling is required for couples wishing to be married in China. The counselling primarily provides information about contraception. We evaluated adding premarital HIV/AIDS counselling and voluntary HIV testing to the standard counselling. The test was offered free to one group and at the standard cost to the other. The proportion of those accepting HIV testing among all participants receiving premarital counselling was used as a measure of acceptability. 16% of participants not charged chose to accept testing versus 1.4% of those charged (p<0.001). Lack of HIV/AIDS knowledge and charging for the test were correlated with refusal. Over 5% of participants admitted to premarital sex, most with their fiancee, and a significantly higher portion was female. Only 22% used condoms. Study participants were randomized for 1-year follow-up. Only 4 participants reported extramarital sexual activity during that year. Acceptance of HIV testing was disappointingly low. Implementing strategies to reduce stigmatization and increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS, in addition to not charging for testing, may increase the acceptance of HIV testing.