Factors implicated in the intention to undergo HIV antibody testing in a male genito-urinary medicine clinic population

Abstract

For the purpose of improving knowledge about what influences people to consider undergoing HIV antibody testing, 180 male genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic attenders at a London teaching hospital were surveyed by anonymous self-completion questionnaire. The study addressed the relationships between intentions regarding HIV testing and age, relationship status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, HIV-related knowledge, self-perception of having been at risk for infection, and assessed risk of infection. Two predictors of HIV antibody testing intention were identified: self-perception of having been at risk for infection and relationship status. Respondents were unlikely to consider HIV testing if they did not perceive their possible risk of infection. Moreover, those in committed relationships were less likely than single respondents to consider having a test, all the more so if they had been with their partner for a longer period of time (over 6 years as opposed to less than 6 months). No other associations with the dependent variable were found. Implications of these findings for HIV prevention efforts are discussed.