HIV Counseling and Testing Practices at an Urban Hospital in Kampala, Uganda
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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AIDS and Behavior
Abstract
While the majority of medical inpatients in Uganda are assumed to be HIV-positive, HIV
testing is limited in inpatient settings. This study describes HIV testing practices and risk behavior
among medical inpatients at an urban hospital in Uganda. We interviewed 395 adults
on the day of discharge. Overall, 46% tested for HIV before or during admission. Of the
20% tested during hospitalization, 64% were HIV-positive. Among 47% who had sex in the
previous year, only 14% used condoms consistently and only 20% knew the HIV status of
their sexual partner, indicating that participants would benefit from risk-reduction counseling.
Yet, only 26% of participants tested during hospitalization received post-test counseling.
Half of the participants with HIV-related illnesses left the hospital without being offered the
test, a missed opportunity for HIV prevention counseling and care. The findings indicate that
hospitals are important venues for HIV counseling and testing.
Description
Keywords
HIV, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), Africa, HIV risk behavior, hospital
Citation
Wanyenze, R., Kamya, M., Liechty, C. A., Ronald, A., Guzman, D. J., Wabwire-Mangen, F., ... & Bangsberg, D. R. (2006). HIV counseling and testing practices at an urban hospital in Kampala, Uganda. AIDS and Behavior, 10(4), 361-367.10.1007/s10461-005-9035-9