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.
National Evaluation and Program Support Center to conduct a multi-site evaluation of outreach activities designed to engage and retain individuals with HIV in medical care. Funded by Health Resources and Services Administration
A national evaluation of peer education training programs for people living with HIV.
A National Center working to advance the Healthy People 2010 objective that all children with special health care needs have access to adequate health insurance and financing for their care.
A cross-disciplinary training curriculum in HIV and substance abuse, designed for health care providers, support service providers and substance abuse treatment providers.