Objective: The objective was to elucidate the status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and consultations provided in medical institutions including primary care settings in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
Methods: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was sent in February 2004 to 804 medical institutions in Ishikawa Prefecture. Subjects were divided according to motivation for seeking tests, and the performance of institutions before and after testing was carried out.
Results: 529 of 804 institutions (65.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 194 institutions (36.7%) offered HIV testing. About 14, 000 HIV tests were provided annually between 2001 and 2003 by them. Motives were identified for half of the cases: among them 4.2% were voluntary, 90.7% were for pregnant women and 5.1% were pre-operative.
Of the 192 institutions that have offered voluntary testing so far, 75.0% and 64.0% had provided subjects with guidance before and after testing respectively, while 13.0% have not provided it either before or after testing. More than 70% of the institutions had provided guidance verbally, while 20 percent had utilized brochures. Out of 41 obstetric cases, 39 gave written or verbal informed consent and one did not consent. All pre-operative cases gave consent.
Conclusion: Medical institutions already play an important role in HIV testing including voluntary testing. Some institutions need to implement pre- and post-test consultation and to ensure that informed consent is provided.
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