HIV testing and counselling in Colombia: Evidence from a national health survey and recommendations for health-care services

Marcela Arrivillaga, P. A. Hoyos, L. M. Tovar, M. T. Varela, D. Correa, H. Zapata

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of, and the factors associated with HIV testing and pre- and post-test counselling (PPTC) in Colombia. Cross-sectional data from the National Health Survey carried out during 2007 were analysed. Data were gathered from records of 29,760 individuals between the ages of 18 and 69 from the main regions of the country. Only 19.7% of the sample had taken an HIV test. Men, people with no education, those not affiliated with the health-care system, residents of rural areas and those aged older than 65 were less likely to have been tested for HIV; 42% of those tested did not receive pre-test counselling and 56.9% received no report of the results. Considering the low prevalence of HIV testing among the Colombian population, it is necessary to design and apply guidelines for HIV screening in all health-care settings and to conduct targeted testing in high-risk sub-populations. A national norm of PPTC in those who undergo HIV testing should be examined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)815-821
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of STD and AIDS
Volume23
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Colombia
  • HIV prevention
  • HIV testing
  • Pre- and post-test counselling
  • VCT

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