Name-based reporting of HIV-positive test results as a deterrent to testing

Objectives. This study evaluated attitudes toward name-based reporting of H IV. Methods. One hundred thirty high- risk, male repeat testers received inform ation on the public health benefits of name-based reporting and reported th eir intentions to test. Results. Of the 67 men who were randomly selected and asked their intention s before hearing the benefits, 63% said they would not test if reporting we re required. After hearing the benefits, 19% changed their minds (P < .014) . Of the 63 men who were asked only after hearing the benefits, 44% would n ot test. Conclusions. Implementing name-based reporting without working beforehand t o change attitudes could undermine the benefits of both testing and HIV sur veillance.