HIV Testing Preferences Among Young Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract

Objectives. We assessed awareness of and preferences for rapid HIV testing among young, urban men of color who have sex with men and are engaged in high-risk behaviors for HIV. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in New York City among 177 young men who have sex with men (MSM). Results. Among the 85% of the participants who had previously undergone HIV testing, 43% reported rapid testing at their most recent test. In terms of future tests, 64% would seek rapid testing, as compared with 36% who preferred traditional testing. Those who preferred rapid testing were significantly more likely to have attended at least some college, to have discussed HIV testing with a sexual partner, to be aware of rapid testing, and to have had a previous HIV test. Conclusions. In general, young MSM of color seem aware of rapid testing. However, our results indicate the need to carefully consider the unique needs of those who are particularly disenfranchised or engaged in high-risk behaviors and who may need concerted efforts around HIV counseling and testing. Likewise, our findings point to a need for more effective education and social marketing strategies.

HIV Testing Among Immigrant Sexual and Gender Minority Latinos in a US Region with Little Historical Latino Presence

“…The proportion of participants reporting an HIV test in the past year (68%) appears high but is similar to results reported by other studies of recent HIV testing among Latino men and other minority MSM, which ranged from 19% to 76%. 14,15,21,[50][51][52] Most other studies, however, failed to disaggregate Latino samples by sexual orientation and gender identity or to disaggregate sexual minority samples by race/ethnicity, limiting their relevance to our study population. None of the other studies examined HIV testing among Latinos in nontraditional migration destinations.…”

“…Increasing research has examined HIV testing among Latinos. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Two novel intervention strategies (door-to-door outreach and trained peer educators) have demonstrated efficacy to increase HIV testing among heterosexual Latinos in North Carolina. 19,20 To date, however, few interventions have been developed to increase HIV testing among sexual and gender minority Latinos, 21,22 despite their recognition as a priority population for HIV prevention efforts.…”

Tailored approach to sleep health education (TASHE): study protocol for a web-based randomized controlled trial

“…Online information affects health habits of New York minorities, with 47% in a telephone survey stating it changed their exercise routines and 44%, their eating habits [60]. Computer-based pre-screening is well accepted for HIV testing, with 80% of respondents in one study preferring the computer-based screening compared to other methods [61]. Thus, we believe that an approach that builds on what is now known about the potential role of web-based information might be an effective means to increase OSA knowledge and OSA health literacy, thereby increasing utilization of sleep-related services among blacks.…”

Rapid HIV self-testing

“…Rapid HIV tests significantly increase the number of people who learn their test results [40] and are preferred by high-risk persons [41] and those not previously tested [42].…”