Abstract
The aim of the current project was to develop an Internet-based recruitment system for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Estonia in order to collect biological samples during behavioural studies. In 2013, an Internet-based HIV risk-behaviour survey was conducted among MSM living in Estonia. After completing the questionnaire, all participants were offered anonymous and free-of-charge STI testing. They could either order a urine sample kit by post to screen for chlamydia infections (including lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)), trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma genitalium infections, or visit a laboratory for HIV, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus,hepatitis C virus and syphilis screening. Of 301 participants who completed the questionnaire, 265 (88%),reported that they were MSM. Of these 265 MSM,68 (26%) underwent various types of testing. In the multiple regression analysis, Russian as the first language,previous HIV testing and living in a city or town increased the odds of testing during the study. Linking Internet-based behavioural data collection with biological sample collection is a promising approach. As there are no specific STI services for MSM in Estonia,this system could also be used as an additional option for anonymous and free-of-charge STI screening.
Highlights
Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be one of the groups at highest risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the European Union
MSM made up the highest proportion of total number of HIV cases in Europe in 2013 (42%), and in 2012 more than a third of reported gonorrhoea cases in Europe were in MSM (38%) [1,2]
As our aim was to develop a testing system and recruit MSM, the analysis of factors related to testing during the study uses data only from those 265 men who were eligible
Summary
Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be one of the groups at highest risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the European Union. MSM made up the highest proportion of total number of HIV cases in Europe in 2013 (42%), and in 2012 more than a third of reported gonorrhoea cases in Europe were in MSM (38%) [1,2]. In 2013, Estonia had a total population of around 1.3 million, and 24.6 newly diagnosed HIV cases and 1.8 AIDS cases per 100,000 population [3]. Triangulation of data from various studies suggests that HIV prevalence in MSM could be around 2–3% [5].
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