Quantitative evaluation of counseling associated with HIV testing.

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate a quantitative evaluation of the educational impact of HIV pretest counseling. Two cohorts of clients exposed to different counseling methodologies were evaluated. The clients completed questionnaires before and after counseling. Responses were scored and compared, and a quantitative measure of educational impact reached. Quantitative educational change following counseling was demonstrated. The change was significantly greater in the more interactive and culturally sensitive counseling format. Quantitative measurement of educational change on focused HIV/AIDS counseling can be easily undertaken. Given that an ill informed population is unlikely to appropriately modify behavior, such educational evaluation should be considered as integral to national HIV/AIDS programs.