How are the exposure categories used in reporting HIV/AIDS surveillance data different from reported risk behaviours?
In discussing an HIV test with a health care provider, a person may report one or several behaviours known to carry a risk of HIV infection (risk factors). However, the risk factors will be used to assign only one exposure category to a positive HIV test report for national reporting. It is important to note that this assigned exposure category is the most likely way that the individual became infected with HIV according to the exposure category hierarchy. It is possible for someone who has engaged in more than one HIV-related risk behaviour to have contracted HIV through one of the other HIV transmission routes listed as risk factors.
Related Questions
- Are the exposure categories used by the Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (CIDPC) different from those used by the provinces and territories?
- How are the exposure categories used in reporting HIV/AIDS surveillance data different from reported risk behaviours?
- How should HIV/AIDS surveillance data be used?
