Work

Acceptability and barriers to rapid HIV /syphilis testing among pregnant Wayuu women in Colombia: A cross‐sectional pragmatic study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Ascertain whether rapid HIV/syphilis testing is acceptable to pregnant Wayuu women in Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia, and identify obstacles/enablers to an effective diagnosis. METHODS: Between March 2023 and August 2024, a cross-sectional study was carried out, involving 698 women at less than 27 weeks who had not previously been diagnosed with syphilis or HIV infection. Standard laboratory testing and rapid HIV/syphilis testing conducted. Participant opinions about sexually transmitted infections (STI's), the severity of illness, advantages of testing, and obstacles to diagnosis, obtained using a structured questionnaire with Likert-scale. Descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: In the Wayuu community there is no translation for STI's in the Wayuunaiki language. Disease is understood within social, spiritual, and environmental contexts. More than 60% of participants expressed positive views regarding benefits of rapid testing. Most of the participants recognized the severity of these infections and the possibilities for prevention and treatment. Important barriers: 30.6% reported feeling embarrassed when requesting testing, 19.4% lacked knowledge on how to request it, 14.5% feared a positive result, and 12.3% concerned about disclosing results to their partners. CONCLUSION: Rapid HIV/syphilis testing was acceptable. Cultural, informational, and psychosocial barriers limit timely diagnosis. Intercultural strategies, health education, psychosocial support in prenatal care are essential.

Source: International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics

DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.70956