Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
Volume 43, Issue 4, 2015, Pages 393-398

Achieving high acceptability of HIV testing in a population-based survey among immigrants in Finland (Article)

Tiittala P.J.* , Kivelä P.S. , Ristola M.A. , Surcel H.M. , Koponen P. , Mölsä M. , Ollgren J. , Liitsola K.
  • a Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
  • b Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
  • c Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
  • d National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
  • e National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
  • f National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
  • g National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
  • h National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among migrants in Finland and the factors contributing to non-acceptance. Methods: The Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study ‘Maamu’ was the first national population-based Health Interview and Examination Survey (HIS/HES) among migrants in Finland. A total of 386 Kurdish, Russian and Somali immigrants in Helsinki participated in the study. Results: Despite the participants’ different sociodemographic backgrounds, a high rate of test acceptability (92%, 95% CI 90-95) was achieved. HIV test acceptance was associated with pretest counselling, ability to understand spoken Finnish or Swedish and employment status. No participants tested positive for HIV. Conclusions: The results imply that a universal HIV testing strategy is well accepted in a low-HIV prevalence immigrant population and can be included in a general health examination in immigrant population-based surveys. © 2015, the Nordic Societies of Public Health. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

acceptability of HIV testing universal HIV testing Immigrant population-based study health interview and examination survey (HIS/HES)

Index Keywords

Communication Barriers HIV Infections Finland mass screening human communication disorder middle aged statistics and numerical data language Humans migrant psychology male counseling Emigrants and Immigrants female risk factor Risk Factors adult utilization patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care employment
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84930509024&doi=10.1177%2f1403494815573604&partnerID=40&md5=cd7fa242a809458c63d5efb13e483875
DOI: 10.1177/1403494815573604
ISSN: 14034948
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English