Response rates for providing a blood specimen for HIV testing in a population-based survey of young adults in Zimbabwe
2007

HIV Testing Response Rates in Young Adults in Zimbabwe

Sample size: 13431 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): McNaghten AD, Herold Joan M, Dube Hazel M, St Louis Michael E

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

Are there differences between those who provide blood specimens for HIV testing and those who do not among young adults in Zimbabwe?

Conclusion

Refusal to provide blood specimens does not appear to have contributed to an underestimation of HIV prevalence.

Supporting Evidence

  • The overall response rate for women was 76% and for men was 72%.
  • There were no significant differences in demographics for women who provided specimens versus those who did not.
  • A significant difference was found in sexual experience among men who provided specimens.

Takeaway

The study looked at young adults in Zimbabwe to see if those who didn't give blood for HIV testing were different from those who did, and found they were mostly the same.

Methodology

Chi-square analysis of weighted data comparing demographic and behavioral data of those who provided specimens for testing with those who did not.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to non-participation of individuals who may have different HIV prevalence rates.

Limitations

Reasons for not providing a specimen were not collected, and certain populations were excluded from the survey.

Participant Demographics

Men and women aged 15–29 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0026

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-7-145

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