Dieula Delissaint1, E Lisako J McKyer. 1. Division of Health, Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. didelissaint@hlkn.tamu.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To ascertain extent and quality of theory utilization among published empirical studies specific to prenatal HIV testing. METHODS: Systematic literature search for peer-reviewed articles was performed. Articles with "perceived barriers" construct to prenatal HIV testing from perspective of potential testees were sought. RESULTS: Most studies mention constructs, but not specific theory. Few studies clearly reported how operationalized constructs were used within their studies. CONCLUSIONS: Paucity of theory utilization points to a breach of the "science" in the scientific process. Researchers either failed to adequately use theory or did so but failed to describe how.
OBJECTIVES: To ascertain extent and quality of theory utilization among published empirical studies specific to prenatal HIV testing. METHODS: Systematic literature search for peer-reviewed articles was performed. Articles with "perceived barriers" construct to prenatal HIV testing from perspective of potential testees were sought. RESULTS: Most studies mention constructs, but not specific theory. Few studies clearly reported how operationalized constructs were used within their studies. CONCLUSIONS: Paucity of theory utilization points to a breach of the "science" in the scientific process. Researchers either failed to adequately use theory or did so but failed to describe how.