Assessing the Effectiveness of HIV Counseling and Testing Programs: A Retrospective Study at an Apex Regional STD Centre in North India

Abstract

Background: HIV counseling and testing are foundational in the fight against HIV/AIDS, offering opportunities for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment linkage. This study evaluated the effectiveness of HIV counseling and testing services at an Apex Regional STD Centre in North India.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from January to December 2023. Data were extracted from center registers, including the number of individuals receiving pre-test counseling, undergoing HIV testing, and testing positive. Partner engagement, HIV transmission routes, age and gender distribution, and referral of suspected TB cases were also analyzed. Quality indicators such as counseling completeness, content delivered, and partner notification services were reviewed.

Results: A total of 29,017 individuals received pre-test counseling, with 28,609 undergoing HIV testing (98.59% uptake). HIV positivity was highest among individuals aged 35–49 years (2.13%). Heterosexual contact with casual partners in males and regular partners/spouses in females were the most reported transmission routes. Among 389 partners tested, 180 were HIV-positive (46.3%). However, only 230 partners (59.1%) received formal counseling. The TB referral system identified sputum-positive TB in 0.10% of referred clients. Counseling session quality was adequate in 85% of cases based on adherence to national counseling guidelines.

Conclusion: HIV counseling and testing services at the center demonstrated high uptake and significant case detection. However, gaps in partner counseling and data tracking limit the full evaluation of program effectiveness. Strengthening partner services, standardizing counseling quality audits, and integrating follow-up mechanisms are critical for enhancing outcomes.