Missed opportunities for earlier HIV-testing in patients with HIV infection referred to a tertiary hospital, a cross-sectional study
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
;
: 209-214, 2017.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-631013
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
In Malaysia, the prevalence of missed opportunities for HIV-testing is unknown. Missed opportunities have been linked to late diagnosis of HIV and poorer outcome for patients. We describe missed opportunities for earlier HIV-testing in newly-HIV-diagnosed patients.Methods:
Cross sectional study. Adult patients diagnosed with HIV infection and had at least one medical encounter in a primary healthcare setting during three years prior to diagnosis were included. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, patient characteristics at diagnosis, HIV-related conditions and whether they were subjected to risk assessment and offered HIV testing during the three years prior to HIV diagnosis.Results:
65 newly HIV-diagnosed patients (male 92.3%; Malays 52.4%; single 66.7%; heterosexual 41%; homosexual 24.6%; CD4 <350 at diagnosis 63%). 93.8% were unaware of their HIV status at diagnosis. Up to 56.9% had presented with HIV-related conditions at a primary healthcare facility during the three years prior to diagnosis. Slightly more than half were had risk assessment done and only 33.8% were offered HIV-testing.Conclusions:
Missed opportunities for HIV-testing was unacceptably high with insufficient risk assessment and offering of HIV-testing. Risk assessment must be promoted and primary care physicians must be trained to recognize HIV-related conditions that will prompt them to offer HIVtesting.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
Year:
2017
Type:
Article
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