Promoting Regular Testing: An Examination of HIV and STI Testing Routines and Associated Socio-Demographic, Behavioral and Social-Cognitive Factors Among Men Who have Sex with Men in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing rates are amongst the highest in the world among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia. However, notable minorities have never tested and many MSM have not tested recently. To examine testing routines and assess covariates of testing, an online survey was conducted among MSM in New South Wales. Five hundred and eighty non-HIV positive MSM (Mean age: 29.33 years) were randomized to answer questions on barriers to testing for HIV or STI. One in five (20.9 %) non-HIV-positive participants had never tested for HIV, 27.2 % had no HIV testing routines, 22.8 % had a moderate HIV testing routines, and 29.1 % had strong HIV testing routines. Similar patterning was observed for STI testing. In multivariate analyses participants' knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were moderately related to HIV and/or STI testing routines and some associations were specific to either HIV or STI testing or to particular routines. Findings highlight that multiple social-cognitive factors each play a role in explaining HIV and STI testing among MSM. To effectively promote regular testing in MSM, programs face the challenge of having to address a range of hurdles, rather than a few major obstacles.

Correlates of HIV and STI testing among Latino men who have sex with men in New York City

“…Sexual health screening remains a critical component of efforts to control epidemics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), providing a necessary gateway to timely antiretroviral treatment and a unique platform for prevention (Adam, de Wit, Bourne, Knox, & Purchas, 2014). Routine HIV/STI testing is of particular importance for men who have sex with men and transgender women (henceforth: MSM), who continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV and STI epidemics globally (Beyrer et al, 2012).…”

Adapting behavioural surveillance to antiretroviral-based HIV prevention: reviewing and anticipating trends in the Australian Gay Community Periodic Surveys

“…It is likely to require a substantial ongoing effort to further increase HIV testing uptake and frequency and address ongoing barriers, such as the fear and inconvenience of testing. [27][28][29][30] Since 2000, there have been substantial, positive changes in the uptake of HIV treatment and the proportion of Australian HIV-positive GBM with an undetectable viral load. Our data suggest that in 2015, Australia nearly reached the UNAIDS target of 90% of diagnosed, HIV-positive GBM being on treatment and that over 90% achieved viral suppression several years ago.…”

Sexually transmitted infection testing among heterosexual Maritime Canadian university students engaging in different levels of sexual risk taking

“…Survey items associated with STI testing, [14][15][16][17] HIV testing 8,10,12 or university students' use of health services 18,19 were included as covariates in all multiple variable regression models and were defined as follows:…”

“…13 The other, which involved Dutch vocational college students, adjusted for potential confounders but examined psychosocial and not behavioural correlates of intention to be tested for STI, not actual testing. 14 Factors generally associated with STI testing or testing intention include age, [14][15][16] biological sex, 14,16 ethnicity, 14 perceived peer norms toward sexual health, 14,15 perceived STI risk, 14,16 community of residence 15,17 and religiosity. 14 A Canadian qualitative study indicated that attitude toward testing was most affected by peer norms and knowledge of testing procedures.…”