Barriers to gender-equitable HIV testing: going beyond routine screening for pregnant women in Nova Scotia, Canada

International Journal for Equity in Health

Research

Jacqueline C Gahagan¹  Janice L Fuller¹  Larry N Baxter²  E Michelle Proctor-Simms²  Todd F Hatchette³ 

[1] Gender and Health Promotion Studies Unit, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada;Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada;Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre, Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada;

关键词: Nova Scotia;    Prenatal Screening;    Sexual Health Service;    Capital District Health Authority;    Health Equity Issue;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1475-9276-10-18

 received in 2010-12-08, accepted in 2011-05-11,  发布年份 2011

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundWomen and men face different gender-based health inequities in relation to HIV, including HIV testing as well as different challenges in accessing HIV care, treatment and support programs and services when testing HIV-positive. In this article, we discuss the findings of a mixed methods study exploring the various individual and structural barriers and facilitators to HIV counselling and testing experienced among a sample of adult women and men living in Nova Scotia, Canada.MethodsDrawing from testing demographics, qualitative interview data and a review of existing testing policies and research, this paper focuses on understanding the gendered health inequities and their implications for HIV testing rates and behaviours in Nova Scotia.ResultsThe findings of this research serve as the basis to further our understanding of gender as a key determinant of health in relation to HIV testing. Recognizing gender as a key determinant of health in terms of both vulnerability to HIV and access to testing, this paper explores how gender intersects with health equity issues such as access to HIV testing, stigma and discrimination, and sexual behaviours and relationships.ConclusionsDrawing on the current gender and HIV literatures, in conjunction with our data, we argue that an enhanced, gender-based, context-dependent approach to HIV counselling and testing service provision is required in order to address the health equity needs of diverse groups of women and men living in various settings. Further, we argue that enhanced HIV testing efforts must be inclusive of both men and women, addressing uniquely gendered barriers to accessing HIV counselling and testing services and in the process moving beyond routine HIV testing for pregnant women.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Gahagan et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011