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= Registered usersWhich GP and patient characteristics influence HIV testing?
19 Sep 2011
GPs who are under 35 and working in metropolitan areas are more likely to offer HIV tests, a study from Australia has found. Patients deemed to be at risk by their GP or who present for screening are most likely to be tested. The study used data from a cross-sectional, national survey of GP activity called BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health). This database has been running since 2000; each year, approximately 1,000 GPs from a national, rolling sample are recruited. Dr Richard Ma comments, 'There are two messages in this paper which to me might suggest potential strategies to improve HIV testing. Working on the supply side by focusing on GPs who are less likely to offer tests, and on the demand side by encouraging more people to ask for HIV testing; the latter seems to be one of the reasons for testing being carried out.'
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