HIV counselling and testing in Nova Scotia

HIV Testing and Counselling in Nova Scotia: Implications for Policy and Practice i i PROJECT BACKGROUND This report outlines the findings from the research study, “HIV Testing and Counselling in Nova Scotia: Implications for Policy and Practice.” The primary purpose of this study was to examine HIV testing rates and behaviours in Nova Scotia, including who is and is not accessing HIV testing in th [...] Understanding HIV testing behaviours is an important aspect in the prevention of the HIV epidemic in Nova Scotia, since HIV counselling and testing can facilitate timely access to care, treatment and support for those who are found to be HIV positive, and is also significant in efforts to prevent the further spread of infection. [...] In light of the shifting focus and scope of international testing policies (CDC, 2006) and the updating of Canadian guidelines for HIV counselling (CATIE, 2009; PHAC, 2006), we regard this as a key opportunity to understand the impact of various counselling and testing strategies on the health of Nova Scotians. [...] The key objectives of this study were: 1) to understand the HIV testing rates and behaviours among individuals in Nova Scotia; and 2) to develop an evidence- based understanding of the experiences of individuals that have and those who have not been tested for HIV in the past year, to develop Nova Scotia-specific policy and programming recommendations. [...] Specific efforts were made for the inclusion of individuals from diverse ages, ethnicities, and locations across the province.3 The goal of the interviews was to learn more about the experiences and perceptions of HIV counselling and testing in Nova Scotia of both individuals who had and those who had not been tested in the past year, as well as their reasons for testing, reasons for considering t