Ethical Approach in Sharing HIV Test Results with Patients in Türkiye: Evaluation of Patient Impressions with Demographic Data

Objectives: In the early years of defining Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), its prevalence among homosexual men gave rise to prejudices, the development of immunodeficiency, and lethal infections, causing fear and panic in society. Unethical approaches hindered patients from accessing healthcare services, creating substantial barriers from diagnosis to treatment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic significance of an ethical approach toward HIV-positive patients, guided by demographic data.
Methods: Demographic patient characteristics and stigmatization during HIV testing were assessed using a 47-question questionnaire. The research commenced on 01/05/2019 and concluded on 01/05/2020, with questionnaires administered online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis employed the SPSS 21.0 (Armonk, New York: IBM Corp.) package, cross-tabulating survey questions and comparing answers using the Chi-square test. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with perceptions of ethical violations.
Results: The study included 121 participants, with 91% identifying as male, 3% as female, 1.7% stating another gender identity, 2.5% declining to specify, and 1.7% not responding to the question. Participant ages ranged from 19 to 66 years, with a mean of 37.9±10.5. Prior to HIV testing, written consent was obtained from 62.8% of patients, while 37.2% declined to provide consent. Among those who consented, 31.4% reported feeling insufficiently informed about the procedure. During result disclosure, 25.6% found the approach impolite, with abrupt and insufficient information. Additionally, 24% noted the presence of a third person during disclosure, while 25.6% reported breaches of patient confidentiality. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age was the only statistically significant factor associated with perceived ethical violations (p=0.010).
Conclusion: This study highlights critical ethical deficiencies in Türkiye’s HIV testing procedures, with 31.4% of patients reporting inadequate consent and 25.6% experiencing unprofessional result disclosure. These findings underscore the urgent need for patient-centered protocols to ensure ethical standards and reduce stigma.

Keywords: Breach of patient confidentiality, discrimination, HIV, stigmatization