HIV-RELATED RISK-FACTORS OF BLOOD-DONORS IN NORTHERN THAILAND BEFORE AND AFTER KNOWING HIV TEST-RESULTS

Background. The epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infecti on led blood banks to initiate donation deferral criteria based on sel f-reported risk factors, However little information is available on th e differences in reporting risk factors before and after HIV status is known. Methods. Between April and July 1994, blood donors in a provin cial hospital in northern Thailand were interviewed at the time of don ation, about their demographic characteristics and risk factors. All d onors had agreed to learn their test results and were called back for post-test counselling and reinterview. Results. HIV-positive blood don ors were more likely to change from 'denying' to 'acknowledging' risk factors while HIV-negatives were more likely to change from 'acknowled ging' to 'denying', The differences between risk factors obtained befo re and after test results were known resulted in stronger, weaker or e ven opposite risk measures. Conclusion, The study results raise questi ons about the impact of the differences in reporting HIV-related risk factors by the donors on how effective donation deferral criteria can be developed.