Background: Information regarding repeat HIV testing is useful in the
conduct of HIV vaccine trials as potential trial participants are required to
undergo repeat HIV testing. In an incidence study conducted in 2008 among
1042 Police Officers 30% of them did not participate in a repeat HIV test.
This study was therefore conducted to explore perceptions on repeat HIV
testing among members of the incidence study cohort that also served as
a source of volunteers for subsequent HIV vaccine trials.
Methods: This qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Dar es
Salaam. The study included male and female Police Officers who were
eligible to participate in the HIV incidence study. Participants were selected
purposefully from eight Police stations out of the 32 stations. Data was
collected using in-depth interviews and analysed qualitatively using the
content analysis approach. Results: A majority of participants were willing
to undergo a repeat HIV test and stated that it was important to repeat an
HIV test to confirm their health status, and hence continue protecting
themselves. Participants who participated in a repeat HIV test as a part of
incidence study reported that the repeat HIV testing process was acceptable
because counselling was provided, testing was voluntary, there was trust
in the health care providers and a freedom to choose where to test.
Participants who did not repeat the HIV test held that repeat a HIV test was
not necessary since they believed that the initial test was adequate. Others
said that communication breakdown was the main cause as they weren't
aware of the importance of a repeat HIV test. Fear of the test results was
also mentioned as one of the reasons. The participants were eager to gain
more knowledge about the importance of a repeat HIV test.
Conclusion: In order to facilitate repeat HIV testing in potential cohorts
for HIV vaccine trials, more information and education regarding the repeat
HIV test is needed. It is also important to make sure that researchers are
well informed on what study participants are supposed to know.