Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic and behavioral characteristics of HIV antibody test repeaters at a public health center.
Materials and Methods: From April 2002 through March 2004, after getting informed consents to the purpose and the procedures of the study, anonymous self-administered questionnaires were given to all people who visited a public health center in Kyoto City to have their blood tested for HIV antibody.
Results: During the study period, 242 people visited the center for HIV antibody test and 214 (88.4%) responded to the survey. The number of the initial testers was 154 (72.0%), while repeaters who have had more than two tests were 60 (28.0%) in total. The proportion of male and the mean age of repeaters were significantly greater than initial testers. The proportion of people who reported consistent condom use in repeaters was also significantly greater than in initial testers. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age over 30 and consistent condom use were significantly associated with repeaters.
Conclusion: Repeaters were found to be older and having more protected sexual behavior than the initial testers. The meaning and the background of such characteristics of repeaters should be further investigated in order to make the services at the public health center more relevant to the clients.
