International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol 26, 408-413, Copyright © 1997 by International Epidemiological Association
P Sawanpanyalert, W Uthaivoravit, H Yanai, K Limpakarnjanarat, TD Mastro and KE Nelson
BACKGROUND: The epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
led blood banks to initiate donation deferral criteria based on
self-reported risk factors. However little information is available on the
differences in reporting risk factors before and after HIV status is known.
METHODS: Between April and July 1994, blood donors in a provincial hospital
in northern. Thailand were interviewed at the time of donation, about their
demographic characteristics and risk factors. All donors had agreed to
learn their test results and were called back for post-test counselling and
reinterview. RESULTS: HIV- positive blood donors were more likely to change
from 'denying' to 'acknowledging' risk factors while HIV-negatives were
more likely to change from 'acknowledging' to 'denying'. The differences
between risk factors obtained before and after test results were known
resulted in stronger, weaker or even opposite risk measures. CONCLUSION:
The study results raise questions about the impact of the differences in
reporting HIV-related risk factors by the donors on how effective donation
deferral criteria can be developed.
ARTICLES
HIV-related risk factors of blood donors in northern Thailand before and after knowing HIV test results
Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Muang Nonthaburi, Thailand.
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