What are the barriers to offering HIV testing in an antenatal setting? a national study of obstetricians

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that influence the antenatal screening practice of obstetricians and identify barriers to the implementation of universal antenatal HIV screening. DESIGN: A survey of all obstetricians registered with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to all obstetricians in Australia, followed by two reminders. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 70% (817/1172) and of these 70% always offered an HIV test during pregnancy. Obstetricians offering the test were more likely to female or younger in age. Of respondents who always offered testing, 90% disagreed with only testing women with risk ..