HIV testing and prevention issues for women attending termination assessment clinics
Bergenstrom, A.; Sherr, L.
British Journal of Family Planning 25(1): 3-8
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0144-8625 PMID: 10228241 Document Number: 510087
In London, women who seek induced abortions have a level of HIV seroprevalence almost 3 times higher than do women who carry their pregnancies to term. However, despite this higher prevalence, HIV testing is not systematically offered to women attending termination of pregnancy assessment clinics (TOPCs). This paper examines results from a study of HIV testing and prevention issues for women attending 5 TOPCs in North London. Data on risk disclosure, HIV testing intentions, and awareness of HIV infection and testing were analyzed for 141 women who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Women who expressed an intention to have an HIV test were more likely to be of ethnic minority origin, to report that their partner intends to have an HIV test, and to perceive it as easier to talk to their partner about HIV testing, compared to women who reported no intention to test for HIV. The former group was also more likely to have had a previous HIV test and felt better able to remain HIV negative. 39.8% of women disclosed 1 or more potential risk factors for HIV. However, although women with risks were more knowledgeable about HIV and had a stronger sense of their potential HIV infection, they were no more likely than women who disclosed no risks to have an HIV test. Less than 25% knew that the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission can be reduced through AZT therapy, cesarean section, and bottle feeding.