Private healthcare sector doctors and HIV testing practices in the eThekwini Metro of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing has many logistic and ethical challenges. The UNAIDS/WHO policy statement states that the testing of individuals must be confidential, be accompanied by counselling, and be conducted with informed consent. HIV testing is integral to the management of the epidemic, and since KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has the highest prevalence of AIDS in South Africa, it is vital that doctors in this province are knowledgeable about HIV testing practices. This study was undertaken in view of the lack of data on private sector doctors' HIV testing practices in KwaZulu-Natal.