Factors related to HIV testing frequency in MSM based on the 2011\u20132018 survey in Tianjin, China: a hint for risk reduction strategy

Zhongquan Liu,Desheng Song,Yuanyuan Liu,Jie Yang,Tingting Yao,Zhijun Li,Zhuang Cui,Changping Li,Jie Xu,Yang Chen,Jun Ma,Maohe Yu,Tiantian Zhang

doi:10.1186/s12889-021-11948-6

Abstract

sBackgroundIn recent years, HIV testing has become one of the effective strategies to reduce the risk of the infection. Frequent quarterly HIV testing can be cost effective. Therefore, an in-depth study of factors related to the testing behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) were analyzed to optimize intervention strategies.MethodsFrom March 2011 to October 2018, the project was implemented in a Tianjin (China) bathhouse, and 5165 MSM were surveyed using snowball sampling. Factors related to HIV testing behavior were analyzed by ordinal logistic regression analysis after grouping according to testing frequency, and comprehensive analysis was performed.ResultsThe multivariate logistic analysis showed that 6 variables including young MSM (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.92, p = 0.01), low-educated MSM (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77, p < 0.0001), low HIV/AIDS knowledge (95% CI: 0.57–0.83, p < 0.0001), marital status (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.57, p = 0.007), acceptance of condom promotion and distribution (OR = 14.52, 95% CI: 12.04–17.51, p < 0.0001), and frequency of condom use (p < 0.05) could link to HIV testing behaviors.ConclusionsIn order to achieve the 95–95-95 goal, target publicity, HIV/AIDS education and promotion of HIV self-testing kits should be carried out to encourage frequent HIV testing among MSM who are young (especially students), married to women, poorly educated and who are reluctant to always use condoms.

Highlights

In recent years, HIV testing has become one of the effective strategies to reduce the risk of the infection
The multivariate logistic analysis showed that 6 variables including young Men who have sex with men (MSM) (OR = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49– 0.92, p = 0.01), low-educated MSM (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77, p < 0.0001), low HIV/AIDS knowledge, marital status (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.57, p = 0.007), acceptance of condom promotion and distribution (OR = 14.52, 95% CI: 12.04–17.51, p < 0.0001), and frequency of condom use (p < 0.05) could link to HIV testing behaviors
Demographic characteristics of participants Of the 5165 participants, 4316 MSM were included in the analysis while 849 were excluded due to unclear testing behavior. (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

HIV testing has become one of the effective strategies to reduce the risk of the infection. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been the focus of HIV prevention in high-risk groups. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has recommended an ambitious 95–95-95 target to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. It states that by 2030 at least 95% of PLHIV should know their status, 95% of people diagnosed with HIV should receive sustained ART and 95% of those on ART should achieve viral suppression [8]. There appears to be a paucity of literature investigating the factors which influence MSM testing for HIV amongst those who have not been tested for HIV in in the last one or more years.

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Discussion

Conclusion