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Massachusetts Perinatal Provider HIV Survey, MA Department of Public Health

One of the great breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS treatment has been the use of the drug zidovudine (ZDV) to prevent transmission of the HIV virus from mother to infant. ZDV administered prenatally to the mother, and to the infant for 6 weeks after birth, has been shown to prevent transmission in at least 2/3 of cases. A key public health goal is to ensure access to this treatment for all women who are HIV and pregnant, through effective counseling, testing and engagement in care during pregnancy.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has sought to maximize access, by assessing and tracking physician beliefs and behaviors in this critical area. Last year, for the third time since the effectiveness of ZDV was ascertained, the Department engaged HDWG to conduct a statewide survey of Massachusetts obstetricians and midwives on these topics. HDWG convened an advisory group to update the survey used in two previous rounds and then administered the survey to providers statewide. Analysis of results is currently underway.

Once completed, this analysis will indicate:

• The extent to which providers counsel, offer women testing, and test their pregnant patients for HIV;
• The factors (including provider-related factors, caseload-related factors, and environmental factors) which promote or impede effective HIV care for women;
• Provider attitudes and perceptions associated with effective HIV care for women.

This information will permit the state and other interested parties to target providers in need of training, technical assistance or resources to promote universal access to HIV care for pregnant women.

Project Staff: Deborah Allen, Irene Shui, Sarah Du Rei, Steve Finch.