HIV testing in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVES

To obtain information about the prevalence of, reasons for, and adequacy of HIV testing in the general population in Switzerland in 1992.

DESIGN

Telephone survey (n = 2800).

RESULTS

Some 47% of the sample underwent one HIV test performed through blood donation (24%), voluntary testing (17%) or both (6%). Of the sample, 46% considered themselves well or very well informed about the HIV test. Patients reported unsystematic pre-test screening by doctors for the main HIV risks. People having been in situations of potential exposure to risk were more likely to have had the test than others. Overall, 85% of those HIV-tested had a relevant, generally risk-related reason for having it performed.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV testing is widespread in Switzerland. Testing is mostly performed for relevant reasons. Pre-test counselling is poor and an opportunity for prevention is thus lost.