Socio-demographic factors predicting HIV test seeking behaviour among MSM in 6 EU cities

• Published in: European journal of public health Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 313 - 318
• Main Authors: Mirandola, Massimo, Gios, Lorenzo, Joanna Davis, Ruth, Furegato, Martina, Breveglieri, Michele, Folch, Cinta, Staneková, Danica, Nita, Irina, Stehlíková, Džamila
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.04.2017
• Subjects: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; European Union; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections - diagnosis; Homosexuality, Male - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Male; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population - statistics & numerical data
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw144

HIV testing is generally accepted as being the lynchpin of a prevention strategy to tackle the HIV epidemic among MSM. However, few studies have analysed in detail the factors that influence HIV test seeking behaviour. The objective of this article is to analyse the relationship between HIV test seeking behaviour and individual, social and demographic factors in a sample of MSM recruited though a multi-centre bio-behavioural cross-sectional study. A multi-level analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with HIV test seeking behaviour. A total of 2400 men were included in the sample. Age, self-reported sexual orientation, residence, household composition, educational status and perceived homonegativity all seem to impact on test seeking behaviour. The results suggest the need for more targeted testing promotion strategies among MSM that take structural and environmental factors into consideration, as part of a comprehensive public health strategy to address the HIV epidemic.