Current state and need for improvement of system for antibody testing and counseling for HIV infection at public health centers in Japan

Background: Public Health Centers (PHCs) throughout Japan have been playing a role in preventing HIV in Japan. The number of HIV seropositive persons and AIDS patients is increasing from year to year in Japan. Methods: A survey regarding the HIV antibody test was sent out to 594 PHCs between January 1997 and December 2001. The response rate was 73.9%. In order to assess the HIV testing system at PHCs, Pearson's correlation coefficient, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis were used. Results: There was a difference in the demand for HIV antibody tests according to area. The change in number of HIV antibody tests per 100,000 persons was high in metropolitan areas during the 5-year period. It was influenced by two factors; population density and ratio of daytime population to nighttime population. Rate of examinees who did not return to receive their test results was influenced by the area where the PHC was located. Conclusions: PHCs need to establish an HIV testing system which reflects the characteristics of the area and meets the needs of people who want to get tested.