Growth of HIV Testing Services in Chennai, India (2001-2006)
Author Information
Author(s): Srikrishnan A. K., Venkatesh Kartik K., Solomon Suniti, Thamburaj Easter, Anand S., Kosalaraman K. G., Balakrishnan Pachamuthu, Mayer Kenneth H.
Primary Institution: YRG CARE, VHS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Hypothesis
Are the changes in HIV services provided in Chennai, India, between 2001 and 2006 commensurate with the need?
Conclusion
HIV diagnostic testing services have increased, but counseling services have not expanded at the same rate.
Supporting Evidence
- In 2001, more high volume labs offered HIV tests than low volume labs (p<0.001).
- Between 2001 and 2006, the number of labs providing HIV diagnostic tests significantly increased (p<0.001).
- More labs provided pre-test counseling in 2006 than in 2001 (p=0.046).
- 14.5% of labs reported more than 10 women seeking HIV testing in 2001, which increased to 79.0% in 2006 (p=0.006).
Takeaway
This study shows that more places in Chennai are offering HIV tests now than before, but not enough people are getting the counseling they need.
Methodology
A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in 2001 and a subset of labs was studied again in 2006.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data from laboratory personnel.
Limitations
The study only included private laboratories and may not represent the entire healthcare landscape.
Participant Demographics
Participants included lab technicians, owners, and physicians from private laboratories in Chennai.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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