HIV testing during pregnancy facilitates timely antiretroviral treatment for HIV-positive women. This study identifies reasons for late HIV testing among pregnant women delivering at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. We conducted a case-control study in which 160 cases were women who were tested for HIV late (i.e., at labor and delivery) and 160 controls were women who were tested during antenatal care (ANC). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, six variables were associated with late HIV testing: age less than 30 years, nine or fewer years of education, working as a homemaker or worker/farmer, living 20 km or more from the hospital, having received ANC at a private clinic/hospital only, and not believing that HIV testing is important during pregnancy. We recommend that national programs should provide additional effort for HIV testing during pregnancy to young women, less educated women, homemakers, and those receiving ANC at private clinics and hospitals.
Keywords: HIV testing; PMTCT Vietnam; Pregnancy.