Introduction: Early diagnosis of HIV and early initiation of antiretroviral therapy are mainstays in the response to HIV/AIDS as significantly improve survival and reduce transmissibility.In Uruguay continues to increase the number of HIV diagnosed annually, almost half stage AIDS.The mass communication campaigns that focus on a national day of promotion and provision of HIV diagnosis are often used as a strategy for community awareness inother countries. We report the results of the first experience in our country
Objectives:
- Contribute to reduction of stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS.
- Promote universal access to HIV diagnosis.
- Training health human resources in HIV diagnosis and counseling.
Materials and methods: A team of physicians, social workers and psychologists organized and performed a short training course for members of the health team that would participate in HIV testing day. Training workshops were conducted with the support of patient’s organizations.
On July 28 those who voluntarily wished to know their HIV status were received in 4 different hospitals in Montevideo. Consent was request and confidentiality was respected in all cases. A brief interview was conducted focusing on prevention; then a diagnostic HIV rapid test was performed. Post-HIV testing, targeted counseling was conducted. In cases of positive HIV test, a blood sample was obtained for confirmation, clinical follow-up was offered. Condoms and HIV brochures information were provided.
Results: More than 250 physicians, nurses, psychologists and health students voluntarily participated in training courses. 780 HIV tests were conducted during the first day. 376 were female and 404 were male. The mean age was 36.3 years (range 14-84). Regarding educational level: 12% coursed only elementary school, 45.8% high school and 41.3% tertiary education, 0.9% unknown. In 54.7% cases was the first time the HIV test was performed. In 209 women (55,6%) and 216 men (53,5%) it was the first time the HIV test was performed; there were no significant statistics differences between men and women in this respect (p=0,55). In 11 cases (1,41%) the HIV test result was positive, and HIV positive was confirmed in all cases.
Conclusions: HIV prevalence (1.41%) exceeded data from previous studies for the general population (0.42%), possibly linked to the voluntary nature of the workshop. The population tested characteristics were similar to epidemiological reports of Ministry of Public Health for HIV positive persons. It is essential increase and diversifies the diagnostic strategies for HIV in our country.
