[Attitude of pregnant women to routine voluntary antenatal HIV testing]

Abstract

Introduction: Since 1987, more than 95% of pregnant Norwegian women have accepted the offer of an antenatal HIV test. We investigated women's opinion regarding antenatal HIV testing.

Material and methods: In an anonymous questionnaire survey in 1997, we asked 500 randomly selected women who had recently given birth about their knowledge about HIV, perception of the information given, and their attitudes towards HIV testing.

Results: The response rate was 74%. Half the women knew that testing was voluntary. 30% were satisfied with the information. This was associated with having been told that the test was voluntary (odds ratio 13). 61% of those who were tested, were told so. 75% of the women would opt for HIV testing in a future pregnancy and most women wanted the offer of a test to be routine procedure.

Interpretation: Women do not receive information that meets their needs. The programme does not accord with its objectives and is hardly ethically justifiable. There is a need for more information, especially concerning the voluntary character of antenatal HIV testing.