Return to post-test counselling by out-of-treatment injecting drug users participating in a cross-sectional survey in north Vietnam

Abstract

Return to post-test counselling is essential for optimal individual and public health impact of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. Our study assessed factors associated with return to post-test counselling among 309 out-of-treatment injecting drug users who underwent VCT as part of a cross-sectional survey in Bac Ninh, Vietnam during August and September 2003. The overall return rate to post-test counselling was 54% (n=167). While participants in the rural study district were significantly less likely (X²=5.8; p<0.05) to return compared with participants in the town centre (42.7 versus 58.1%), return rates did not significantly vary by age, perception of personal HIV risk, HIV serostatus diagnosed by the study, counsellor, history of HIV testing or prior knowledge of HIV status. In a multivariate analysis, higher return rate was associated with residence in Bac Ninh town centre (adjusted OR=1.9; CI=1.1−3.1). Of HIV-positive participants (n=131), 45% (n=59) did not return to collect test results. In view of the findings it is crucial to address risk perception and benefits of collecting test results during pre-test counselling sessions in order to maximize the desired impact of community-based VCT services targeting IDUs in Vietnam.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health (1RO1 MH64895). The study was conducted in collaboration with the National AIDS Standing Bureau and Bac Ninh Department of Health. The authors are grateful to P.N.V. Giang, Bac Ninh Department of Health and Centre for Preventive Medicine project staff, who supported and facilitated implementation of the research. We also acknowledge the support of the interviewers, counsellors, laboratory staff, doctors, outreach workers and participants.