Abstract
BackgroundResearch on HIV testing in Thailand has largely focused on at-risk population groups, with limited information about the prevalence of correlates of HIV testing among the Thai general population. This study addresses this gap in research by using a population-based probability sample to examine correlates of HIV testing experience and intention to test.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in Nonthaburi, Thailand during October-December 2012 using tablet computers to collect self-administered questionnaires from 2138 men and women (aged 15–59 years) identified through three-stage stratified cluster sampling.FindingsAlmost half of the respondents, 962 (45%), reported having been tested for HIV while an almost equal proportion, 1032 (48.3%), indicated their intention to test for HIV. Being sexually experienced, having a history of sexually transmitted infection, personally knowing someone infected with HIV, and youth were associated with both history of HIV testing and intention to test for HIV. High perceived risk of HIV, knowledge of an HIV testing location, and having been married were associated with having been tested for HIV. Having been tested for HIV and HIV/AIDS education were associated with intention to test for HIV. The most common reasons for testing were routine medical checkup and antenatal care. The major reasons for not testing were perception of having no or low risk.ConclusionA substantially low proportion of the respondents reported a history of HIV testing and intention to test for HIV. Culturally appropriate programs that address HIV risk perception and provide accurate information related to HIV infection and HIV testing may be beneficial in increasing uptake of HIV testing among the general population in Thailand.
Highlights
HIV infection remains a leading global health priority, despite significant breakthroughs and progress in prevention and treatment over the past three decades [1]
Being sexually experienced, having a history of sexually transmitted infection, personally knowing someone infected with HIV, and youth were associated with both history of HIV testing and intention to test for HIV
84% had at least a secondary school education, 81.1% were employed, 57.6% were married at some point, and 53.0% lived in a rural area
Summary
HIV infection remains a leading global health priority, despite significant breakthroughs and progress in prevention and treatment over the past three decades [1]. The HIV epidemic in Thailand, as in many Southeast Asian countries, largely remains concentrated in higher risk subgroups, including men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, people who inject drugs (PWID), and transgender people [2]. Research on HIV testing in Thailand has largely focused on at-risk population groups, with limited information about the prevalence of correlates of HIV testing among the Thai general population. This study addresses this gap in research by using a population-based probability sample to examine correlates of HIV testing experience and intention to test
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