Title: Introduction of routine HIV testing in prenatal care -- Botswana, 2004.

POPLINE Document Number: 276999

Source citation:

JAMA. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2005 Jan 12;293(2):152-153.

Abstract:

In 2003, approximately 37% of pregnant women in Botswana (2001 population: 1.7 million; approximately 40,000 births per year) were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since 2001, all prenatal clinics in Botswana have offered HIV screening and interventions for prevention of mother- to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), which can decrease vertical transmission of HIV from 35%-40% to 5%-10%. Historically, HIV testing in Botswana has been performed after individual pretest counseling, with patients actively choosing whether to be tested (i.e., an "opt-in" approach). In 2003, 52% of pregnant women receiving prenatal care nationwide learned their HIV status. In 2004, to increase use of free national PMTCT and antiretroviral treatment (ARV) programs, Botswana began routine, noncompulsory (i.e., "opt-out") HIV screening in prenatal and other health-care settings. Concerns have been raised that routine testing in Africa might deter women from seeking prenatal care and might result in fewer women returning for their test results and HIV care after testing. (excerpt)

Keywords:

Botswana
Research Report
KAP Surveys
Women in Development
HIV Testing
Antenatal Care
Mother-to-Child Transmission
Referral and Consultation
Counseling
Developing Countries
Africa, Southern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Economic Development
Economic Factors
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Maternal Health Services
Maternal-Child Health Services
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Diseases
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Clinic Activities