Provider-initiated vs. client-initiated HIV testing in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia, 2000-2008

Predrag Duric,Svetlana Ilic,Smiljana Rajčević

doi:10.3855/jidc.2743

Abstract

This paper describes the changes in Human Immundodeficiency virus (HIV) testing rates in Autonomous Province (AP) Vojvodina, Serbia since 2000 and compares provider-initiated with client-initiated HIV testing. Between 2000 and 2008, 66,327 HIV screening tests were reported from AP Vojvodina. During this time HIV testing rates increased from 1.2 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2000, to 7.7 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2008. The results showed an increase in testing as a consequence of increased mandatory testing of surgical patients as well as an upsurge in the use of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Pregnant women that were tested represented less than 5% of the overall sample population. Public health efforts in AP Vojvodina to increase HIV testing rates lead to a continuous increase in testing rates, but with different limitations. HIV testing in low prevalence middle income countries could be highly affected by procurement difficulties, low motivation of medical professionals to initiate testing, and opportunities for testing limited to large towns and cities.

Highlights

An estimated 34 million people were living withHuman Immundodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide at the end of 2010
This paper describes the changes in Human Immundodeficiency virus (HIV) testing rates in Autonomous Province (AP) Vojvodina, Serbia since 2000 and compares provider-initiated with client-initiated HIV testing
The results showed an increase in testing as a consequence of increased mandatory testing of surgical patients as well as an upsurge in the use of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT)

Summary

Introduction

An estimated 34 million people were living withHIV worldwide at the end of 2010. Approximately 2.7 million people became newly infected with HIV in 2010 [1]. It is estimated that 30% of people living with HIV are unaware of their infection in the European Union [3] as well as 34% in the United Kingdom [4]. The range is wider in other European countries from 15% in Sweden to 60% in Poland [5] This situation poses a major challenge in the fight against the HIV infection epidemic as undiagnosed patients cannot benefit from early treatment and may unknowingly transmit HIV to others [6]. Methodology: Between 2000 and 2008, 66,327 HIV screening tests were reported from AP Vojvodina. During this time HIV testing rates increased from 1.2 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2000, to 7.7 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2008. HIV testing in low prevalence middle income countries could be highly affected by procurement difficulties, low motivation of medical professionals to initiate testing, and opportunities for testing limited to large towns and cities

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