AEGiS-10IAC: Nationwide counseling & testing (CT) in Uganda: comparisons across sites and over time.

10th International AIDS Conference


Yokohama, Japan — Aug 7-12, 1994

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Nationwide counseling & testing (CT) in Uganda: comparisons across sites and over time.

Int Conf AIDS 1994 Aug 7-12; 10:392 (abstract no. PD0751)
Moore M, Nabwiso F, Tukwasiibwe E, Kalule J, Marum E; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333.

OBJECTIVE: To describe client profiles and operational indicators within the AIDS Information Centre (AIC) system, a nationwide CT service network in Uganda.

METHODS: AIC has expanded from one Kampala site in Feb 1990 to 24 sites in 20 districts in Dec 1993; client load increased from 9000 in 1990 to nearly 70,000 in 1993. A computerized management information system (MIS) was established in February 1992 and includes selected demographic, behavioral, and operational indicators, and HIV result for each client visit.

RESULTS: Overall, 23% of all AIC system clients in 1993 were HIV+; however, seropositivity rates varied across sites and decreased each quarter at all sites, due mostly to increasing numbers of HIV- clients. HIV seropositivity was higher for females at all sites. At larger branch sites, gender distribution was even and > 11% of clients were seen as couples; at outlying satellite sites, males predominated, and fewer clients were seen as couples. Reasons for seeking CT varied across sites. Overall, 12% of clients had been tested previously, with repeat visit rates higher at branch than at satellite sites. Operational indicators also varied by site: totals include: 71% returned for results and posttest counseling: 89% of HIV+ and 44% of HIV- received referrals for additional services after posttest counseling.

CONCLUSIONS: Uganda's AIC experience indicates that CT can be implemented on a national scale in a developing country setting. This is particularly relevant in light of evaluation data from 1992-93 that demonstrated substantial HIV risk reduction behavior change associated with CT at AIC. The MIS has helped AIC managers plan, manage and improve their services.

Keywords: AEGIS, Counseling, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Uganda, Human, Female, Male, ICA10KWDaegis,counseling,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hivseropositivity,uganda,human,female,male,ica10
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PD0751

Copyright © 1994 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.