Rapid intrapartum or postpartum HIV testing at a midwife obstetric unit and a district hospital in South Africa
Date
2011
Authors
Theron G.B.
Shapiro D.E.
Van Dyke R.
Cababasay M.P.
Louw J.
Watts D.H.
Smith E.
Bulterys M.
Maupin R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Objective: To compare the prepartum and postpartum feasibility and acceptance of voluntary counseling and rapid testing (VCT) among women with unknown HIV status in South Africa. Methods: Eligible women were randomized according to the calendar week of presentation to receive VCT either while in labor or after delivery. Results: Of 7238 women approached, 542 (7.5%) were eligible, 343 (63%) were enrolled, and 45 (13%) were found to be HIV infected. The proportions of eligible women who accepted VCT were 66.8% (161 of 241) in the intrapartum arm and 60.5% (182 of 301) in the postpartum arm, and the difference of 6.3% (95% CI, - 1.8% to 14.5%) was not significant. The median times (44 and 45 minutes) required to conduct VCT were also similar in the 2 arms. In the intrapartum arm, all women in true labor received their test results before delivery and all those found to be HIV positive accepted prophylaxis with nevirapine before delivery. Conclusions: Rapid testing in labor wards for women with an unknown HIV status is feasible and well accepted, and allows for a more timely antiretroviral prophylaxis than postpartum testing. © 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Description
Keywords
nevirapine, zidovudine, adolescent, adult, article, controlled study, feasibility study, female, HIV test, human, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, intrapartum care, labor, major clinical study, male, newborn, patient attitude, priority journal, prophylaxis, prospective study, puerperium, South Africa, virus transmission, voluntary counseling and rapid testing
Citation
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
113
1
113
1