When patients first suspect and find out they are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus: implications for prevention [published erratum appears in AIDS Care 1995;7(1):107]

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

When patients first suspect and find out they are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus: implications for prevention [published erratum appears in AIDS Care 1995;7(1):107]

AIDS Care. 1994;6(4):399-405. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/95134775
Wenger NS; Kusseling FS; Beck K; Shapiro MF; Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; 90024-1736.

Abstract: To evaluate how individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) became aware of their infection, when they first suspected they were infected with HIV and factors associated with suspecting HIV infection, we surveyed 227 patients at an urban outpatient HIV clinic. Though nearly all patients acknowledged risk factors for HIV, 60% reported that they did not suspect that they were infected until they received a positive HIV antibody test result. Non-white patients were less likely to suspect HIV infection prior to testing than white subjects (p < 0.03). Subjects not suspecting infection more often received HIV testing through a screening program or during a medical encounter (p = 0.02) and were less likely to be told by others that they might be infected (p = 0.001) than patients suspecting infection prior to testing. Forty-eight percent of subjects who suspected HIV infection prior to testing waited one year or more before obtaining their HIV antibody test. Interventions to reduce faulty personal HIV risk perception are needed to promote earlier HIV diagnosis.

Keywords: *Adaptation, Psychological Adolescence Adult *Awareness AIDS Serodiagnosis/*PSYCHOLOGY Female Human HIV Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION HIV Seropositivity/DIAGNOSIS/PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Male Middle Age Risk Factors Sex Behavior *Sick Role Support, Non-U.S. Gov't JOURNAL ARTICLE
950530
M9551004

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