Alcohol and other drug use and abuse
Condoms and overcoming barriers to ensure safe and effective use
HIV treatment-related issues (adherence to ARV therapy, coping with adverse effects, treatment failure)
Boswell and Baggaley (2002) reported counselor issues in VCT during pre-testing:
Explore reasons for presenting and provide unconditional support.
Affirm client's courage in seeking services and encourage their attempts to practice healthful behavior.
Assess client's risks, perceptions and factors relating to vulnerability.
Outline the test procedures and practice and find out what a positive or negative result would mean to client and to whom client would disclose their status.
Ask about client's existing support systems.
Take the opportunity to provide health education and/or information as required (including modes of transmission and prevention, condom demonstration and distribution).
Help client understand how they can reduce their risk, perhaps using role-play.
Offer an opportunity for client to ask questions and communicate their concerns.
Refer client as appropriate to generic or specialized counseling, drug and alcohol services, abuse and domestic violence services, medical services, support groups, peer support, personal, legal and financial services, religious organizations, etc.
Distribute IEC materials as appropriate.
Facilitate or mediate familial and spousal support as desired and appropriate (p. 8).
Boswell and Baggaley (2002) reported issues that are covered during post-test counseling:
Explore client's readiness to receive test results.
Explore how things have been and what may have changed since the last meeting if not on the same day as the pre-test.
Revisit risk assessment and risk-reduction planning as required.
Take the opportunity to role-play/practice behavior modification.
Offer additional health education and/or information as required (including m...