Why do antenatal attenders decide to accept the HIV antibody test?
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the attitudes of parturient women to the decision about whether to accept or decline the HIV antibody test in the antenatal clinic. METHODS: 88 women randomly selected from 318 who had previously completed questionnaires on attitudes to HIV testing were interviewed at 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. They were asked their reasons for accepting or declining the test; current feelings about their decision; and other related issues. Anxiety was measured using the Speilberger State Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: 63% (N = 55) had not been tested, 36% (N = 32) had and 1 did not know. None of those tested were HIV positive. Reasons for declining included assumption of no risk (30%), being in a stable relationship (18%), not wanting to think about HIV when pregnant (15%), not wanting to know if HIV positive (15%). Reasons for accepting included fears for health of the baby (58%) and fears for own health (36%). 91% of those accepting the test were glad they had. 11% of those dec
