Access to appropriate information on HIV is important in maximizing the acceptance of the antenatal HIV antibody test

Abstract

The universal HIV antibody testing programme was implemented in Hong Kong in September 2001. A survey on acceptance of the test was conducted in the territory's maternal and child health centres in a two-month period. The response rate was 98.2% and 2,669 valid questionnaires were analysed. Seventy per cent (n=1,825) of the respondents indicated their acceptance of the test. A significant association was noted between clients’ acceptance and access to HIV information (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=10.45, 95% confidence interval (CI)=6.33–17.26) by means of posters, pamphlets, videos and group talks. Perceived benefits and health care workers’ recommendation were the main reported reasons for acceptance, whereas no or low perceived susceptibility was the main reason for refusal. Acceptance was also positively correlated with level of education (adjusted OR=3.99, 95% CI=2.15–7.43) and HIV knowledge (adjusted OR=3.61, 95% CI=2.19–5.93). A high uptake rate (99.6%) reflects that most had the test done eventually despite some initial uncertainty. It is concluded that access to appropriate HIV information was important to maximize the acceptance of the programme.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Director of Health for approval to conduct the study, Ms Christine Wong for statistical analysis and all the staff of the Family Health Service and Special Preventive Programme, Department of Health, for their contributions to the study.