For persons at risk for HIV, brief risk-reduction counseling at the time of a rapid HIV test does not reduce new sexually transmitted infections in a six-month follow-up. This counseling also did not reduce rates of unprotected sex, according to a study published in JAMA.
Risk-reduction counseling has historically played a major role in the HIV testing process; however these results suggest that to use resources more efficiently, clinics should reconsider their approach to providing information at the time of testing. Post-test counseling for persons testing HIV-positive remains essential.
For a copy of the study, go to http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1758751. For a copy of a press release from JAMA, go to http://media.jamanetwork.com/news-item/brief-risk-reduction-counseling-time-hiv-testing-result-reduction-rate-stis/. For more information on HIV rapid testing in substance abuse treatment programs, go to: www.drugabuse.gov/blending-initiative/hiv-rapid-testing.
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.