HIV testing in gay sex clubs

• Published in: International journal of STD & AIDS Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 173 - 175
• Main Authors: WOODS, W. J, SABATINO, J, BAUER, P. L, ADLER, B, DILLEY, J. W, BINSON, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.03.2000; Royal Society of Medicine Press; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; AIDS/HIV; Antibodies, Viral - isolation & purification; Biological and medical sciences; disease transmission; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - psychology; Homosexuality, Male; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Male; Mass Screening - psychology; Medical sciences; Risk Factors; San Francisco; sexual behavior; Social Environment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; California; United States; North America; America; San Francisco; HIV TESTING; SEX ENVIRONMENTS; GAY MEN; Human; Immunopathology; Homosexuality; Program; Exploration; Male; AIDS; Serology; Medical screening; Immune deficiency; Epidemiology; Infection; Viral disease; Risk factor; Behavior
• ISSN: 0956-4624; 1758-1052
• DOI: 10.1258/0956462001915633

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a programme of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing at gay sex clubs. Conducting secondary analyses with 2 datasets, we evaluated HIV-testing preferences of patrons at 2 sex clubs and compared their risks to testers at a standard testing clinic. Sex club testers had significantly more partners and were significantly older than their clinic peers. Sixteen per cent of sex club testers reported that they would not test if testing were not available at the sex club. Gay sex clubs offer an opportunity to reach men at high risk for HIV, some who otherwise may not test.