Uptake of HIV testing during antenatal care in Honduras

Int J STD AIDS. 2018 May;29(6):526-530. doi: 10.1177/0956462417738907. Epub 2017 Oct 23.

Abstract

In order to interrupt vertical transmission of HIV, the WHO recommends universal HIV testing during antenatal care (ANC), a policy that has been adopted by the Ministry of Health in Honduras. We examined HIV counseling and testing practices during ANC in the Honduras Demographic and Health Survey to understand compliance with this established standard of care. Among currently married women with a child aged five years or younger who attended ANC, only 66% recalled being offered HIV testing during ANC, yet 95% of those got tested. Older, less literate women who lived in a rural area, a small household, or had an older husband were significantly less likely to recall being offered HIV testing. These findings highlight necessary revisions to ANC protocols to ensure that all women in Honduras get HIV testing to interrupt mother-to-child transmission.

Keywords: AIDS; HIV testing; Honduras; antenatal care; reproductive health; women.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / methods*
  • Adult
  • Counseling*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • Honduras
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Mass Screening
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / diagnosis*
  • Prenatal Care*