Giving Positive HIV Test Results to Clients

Abstract

Intensive field studies of HIV testing sites were conducted in order to identify key factors associated with the process of giving HIV positive test results to clients. Direct field observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 HIV test providers/counselors.

Five components of the process of giving HIV positive test results were found: (1) verifying clients' identities, (2) collecting contact information, (3) communicating results, (4) linking to treatment and services, and (5) managing client and staff emotions. Results highlight the complex nature of the work of communicating HIV positive test results. Examples include the problem for counselors when they encounter clients who intentionally mislead site staff in order to obtain another person's test result and the difficulty counselors face in separating their work from their personal life.

Key Words:

• HIV testing
• giving positive test results
• linking to treatment