Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Journal

Annals of Global Health

DOI

10.5334/aogh.5042

PMID

41522795

PMCID

PMC12785660

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-2-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Point-of-care (POC) testing for syphilis and HIV is an effective way to provide same-day testing, results management, counseling, and treatment. Although commonly used in antenatal or sexual health clinics, our field study aimed to offer POC testing to women attending a standard care clinic in Guatemala. Nearly all women accepted testing, highlighting the patient-centered benefits and acceptability of screening in non-stigmatizing settings. Upon disclosure of results, especially positive diagnoses, patients drew comfort and resilience from their faith, an often-underprioritized resource not typically considered when addressing sexual health. These results underscore the value of integrating POC testing into routine care and reveal the important role of spirituality in how many patients and providers process diagnosis and illness.

Keywords

Humans, Female, Syphilis, HIV Infections, Social Stigma, Adult, Guatemala, Point-of-Care Testing, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Young Adult, Faith Healing, Spirituality, Middle Aged, stigma, maternal health, HIV, syphilis, faith, global health, Guatemala

Published Open-Access

yes

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