Perspectives on HIV Testing Among WIC-Enrolled Postpartum Women: Implications for Intervention Development

Abstract

Low-income minority women are disproportionately represented among those living with HIV in the U.S and also at-risk for substance abuse and intimate partner violence-collectively called the SAVA syndemic-which may impede HIV testing uptake. Views about HIV testing were assessed among women (ages 18-29) enrolled in a federally funded nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) in a large Mid-Atlantic city. A survey (n = 80) and three focus groups were conducted in WIC offices located in neighborhoods with high HIV prevalence. Among this primarily minority sample, most would be interested in getting an HIV test if offered at WIC. Benefits included knowing one's HIV status, convenience, and accessible location, while transportation and peer/partner encouragement were enabling factors. Barriers included privacy concerns and intimate partner violence. Findings will be used to design an intervention to promote HIV testing among women who attend WIC and that proactively addresses reported barriers.