"Testing, Testing": Multiple HIV-Positive Tests among Patients Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulkarni, Sarah; Tymejczyk, Olga; Gadisa, Tsigereda; Lahuerta, Maria; Remien, Robert H.; Melaku, Zenebe; El-Sadr, Wafaa; Elul, Batya; Nash, Denis; Hoffman, Susie
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care. Volume 16:Number 6(2017:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 546
• Page End: 554
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: HIV -- AIDS -- diagnosis -- patient care -- HIV testing; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792
• DOI: 10.1177/2325957417737840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-9574

Abstract

Repeat HIV testing after receiving a positive result has never been studied systematically and may give insight into reasons for delayed linkage to care. Among 831 adults in 6 secondary facilities in Oromia, Ethiopia, who completed an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire within 2 weeks of initiating antiretroviral therapy in 2012 to 2013, 110 (13.2%) reported having retested after an HIV-positive result. The odds of repeat (versus single) HIV-positive testing were higher among those who had doubted their HIV status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]ref=nodoubt = 6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-11.4) and those who initially tested at another facility, whether another secondary facility (AORref=studyfacility = 22.7; 95% CI: 11.0-46.9) or a lower-level facility (AORref=studyfacility = 19.1; 95% CI: 10.5-34.5). The odds of repeat (versus single) HIV-positive testing were lower among those who initially tested because of symptoms (AORref=not a reason = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.24-0.66). Median time between initial diagnosis and enrollment in care was 12.3 versus 1.0 month for repeat and single HIV-positive testers, respectively ( P < .001). Repeat HIV-positive testing—not a rare occurrence—appears to stem from doubt, seeking care at a facility other than where diagnosed, and testing for a reason other than having symptoms. Because repeat HIV-positive testing is associated with delay in linkage to care, providers should be aware of this potential when counseling those who test HIV positive.