Levels Of HIV Knowledge Research Articles

HIV and hepatitis C Virus in internally displaced people with and without injection drug use experience in the region of Shida Kartli, Georgia

ObjectiveInternally displaced persons (IDPs) can have limited access to HIV and hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment and prevention. IDPs comprise > 7% of Georgian population but prevalence and levels of HIV and HCV knowledge in this population remain unknown. We tested 100 IDPs in Georgia for HIV and HCV, many of whom had drug injecting experience, and interviewed them about their migration experience, sexual and drug injecting practices, and HIV/HCV transmission knowledge.ResultsThe average age of participants was 37.5 years (range 18–63); 31% were women. Almost half (N = 48) of participants reported ever injecting drugs; 17% of those (N = 8) started injecting drugs within the last year. Anti-HCV and HIV prevalence was 11% and 0%, respectively. Fewer people without drug use experience compared to people who inject drugs correctly answered all questions on the HIV knowledge test (13% vs. 35%, p = 0.015) or knew where to get tested for HIV (67% vs 98%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in HCV knowledge between the two groups. HIV and HCV prevalence remains low among Georgian IDPs, but levels of HIV knowledge were much lower than levels of HCV knowledge.

The association between HIV-related stigma, HIV knowledge and HIV late presenters among people living with HIV (PLHIV) attending public primary care clinic settings in Selangor.

HIV late presenters were defined as individuals presenting with a CD4 count below 350 cells/μL or with an AIDS-defining event, according to the European Late Presenter Consensus working group. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV have proven beneficial for people living with HIV (PLHIV), reducing the burden on healthcare systems, and contributing to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, in Malaysia, over 50% of newly diagnosed HIV patients present late, leading to increased morbidity and premature mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence of late HIV presenters and its association with HIV-related stigma and HIV knowledge among PLHIV attending public primary care clinics in Selangor. A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected public health clinics in Selangor, involving PLHIV aged 18 years and older, who were diagnosed since 2019. HIV-related stigma was measured using the Malay version of Berger's HIV Stigma Scale, and HIV knowledge was assessed using the Malay version of Brief HIV-KQ-18. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with late HIV presentation. A total of 400 participants were included in the study, with 60.0% (n = 240, 95% CI: 55.0-65.0) classified as late presenters. The participants had a mean age of 30.29 (±7.77) years. The risk factors for late presenters were high levels of HIV-related stigma (aOR = 1.049, 95% CI: 1.034-1.063, p-value <0.001), low levels of HIV knowledge (aOR = 0.709, 95% CI: 0.646-0.778, p-value <0.001), tertiary education background (aOR = 15.962, 95% CI: 1.898-134.235, p-value = 0.011), and being single (aOR = 3.582, 95% CI: 1.393-9.208, p-value = 0.008). This study highlights the association between high levels of HIV-related stigma, low levels of HIV knowledge, and late HIV presentation. Interventions targeting stigma reduction and HIV education can promote early testing and prompt access to care, improving health outcomes for PLHIV.

Qualitative description of interpersonal HIV stigma and motivations for HIV testing among gays, bisexuals, and men who have sex with men in Ghana's slums-BSGH-005.

Despite significant progress in Ghana's HIV response, disparities in HIV prevalence persist among different populations. Gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the country remain vulnerable to HIV infection due to high levels of stigma and discrimination, limited access to healthcare services, and low HIV knowledge levels. While limited studies focus on HIV prevention and care in the Ghanaian GBMSM context, we did not find studies on GBMSM in slums. We, therefore, explored stigma and motivations of HIV testing among GBMSM in slums. In collaboration with our community partners, we recruited and conducted face-to-face interviews among 12 GBMSM from slums in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Our multiple-reviewer summative content analysis identified the following: under HIV stigma, we identified two categories, avoidance of GBMSM living with HIV and fear of testing positive for HIV. Under motivations for HIV testing, we identified three categories; HIV vulnerability, knowing one's HIV status, and positive messaging about HIV. Our findings provide valuable insights into stigma and motivations for HIV testing among GBMSM in Ghanaian slums. They also highlight the importance of targeted HIV education interventions to empower GBMSM to take responsibility for their sexual health and address the unique challenges they face accessing HIV testing services.

HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes towards HIV and condom use among internally displaced Libyan males. Is there a need to implement sex education?

Background Displacement has been associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission. In light of the lack of data from Libya on sexual behavior and HIV/AIDS knowledge, the effort was undertaken to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes towards HIV and condom use in Libyan internally displaced males (IDPs) in Tripoli. Methods Cross-sectional study design using purposive sampling to identify internally displaced Libyan males from five camps in Tripoli. HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes towards HIV and condom use, and prevention practices were evaluated through a self-administered, close/ended anonymous questionnaire in Arabic. Results The study population consisted of 390 participants, all Muslims, with a mean age of 32.81 years (SD = 8.93). Overall, the average HIV and prevention knowledge score was 6.34 (SD = 1.98). The majority of the respondents thereby had an insufficient or low knowledge’ level of HIV and prevention knowledge (58.70%). The mean attitude score indicated overall a negative attitude towards condom use (Mean = 32.60, SD = 7.97). Conclusions This is the first biobehavioral survey among IDPs in Libya demonstrating a low level of HIV and prevention knowledge as well as a prevailing negative attitude level of HIV/AIDS and condom use.

HIV&amp;AIDS-Related Knowledge Among University Students: A Review

HIV&amp;AIDS continues to pose a public health and developmental threat across the world, ever since it was discovered in 1981. Inadequate knowledge is one of the major barriers to prevention of the spread of HIV&amp;AIDS. More than half of all of new HIV infections occur in young people. The objective of this study was to analyse the levels of HIV related knowledge among university students globally, with a focus on the Sub-Saharan Region. Various electronic databases were searched to review related studies on the levels of HIV and AIDS knowledge among university students. The overall results of the published articles that met the selection criteria showed that there are notable variations in terms of the levels of HIV&amp; AIDS knowledge among the students. The disparities in the levels of HIV&amp;AIDS related knowledge could be attributed to the inconsistencies in the research tools, sample size, academic year of the respondents, geographical locations, social, cultural, ethnicity factors, just to mention a few.This review has revealed that for similar studies in the future, it is important to assess the level of knowledge by using differing approaches that have the potential to provide a greater depth and breadth of information rather than utilizing singular approaches in isolation such as use of quantitative approaches only.

Factors Associated With HIV-Related Stigma Among Indonesian Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey.

Despite worldwide advances in HIV care and growing scientific knowledge about HIV, stigma and prejudice continue to hinder people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) from seeking treatment and care. HIV-related stigma among healthcare workers in Indonesia has been investigated and measured in only a few empirical studies. This study was developed to identify factors related to holding stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWHA among professional healthcare providers in Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey approach using convenience and snowball sampling techniques was used. Data were collected in February and March 2022. All of the participants were healthcare workers in Indonesia who had completed an online survey that collected demographic data and measured HIV-related stigma, fear of HIV transmission, and HIV-related knowledge. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression were used to investigate the association between the independent and dependent variables. The study enrolled 252 participants, including eight physicians (3.2%), 200 nurses (79.4%), and 44 midwives (17.5%). Over two thirds of the participants (65.1%) had no formal HIV training. Stigmatizing attitudes were associated with lower levels of HIV knowledge ( B = -0.480, p < .01), fear of becoming infected with the HIV virus ( B = 0.354, p < .05), and type of HIV care setting ( B = -2.913, p < .05). Of the three participant categories, physicians had the highest levels of both HIV knowledge and PLWHA-related stigma. The findings indicate many healthcare workers in Indonesia receive limited formal training on HIV, have low levels of HIV knowledge, and fear HIV transmission. Therefore, providing comprehensive and up-to-date education about HIV for health workers and proper personal protective equipment should be incorporated into programs aimed at reducing stigmatizing attitudes against patients with HIV among healthcare workers in Indonesia.

HIV Knowledge, Risk Behaviors, and Testing Among Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-American Women.

The relationship between HIV knowledge and testing behavior is poorly understood among young Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-American women. This study assesses: (1) levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, (2) lifetime and annual prevalence of HIV testing, and (3) whether higher levels of HIV knowledge were associated with increased likelihood of testing after controlling for HIV risk behaviors. Fifty-one percent reported lifetime HIV testing (n=117); among those tested, 53% were tested within the past year. A significant and positive association between scores on the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (HIV KQ-45) and HIV testing was identified. This association was no longer statistically significant after controlling for sexual risk behaviors. Participants were most knowledgeable about HIV symptoms (88.6%) and least knowledgeable about treatment options (56.8%). Future studies should further characterize cultural factors affecting these women's sexual practices, as well develop culturally adapted HIV educational interventions to increase HIV knowledge and testing rates.

HIV knowledge and its correlation with the Undetectable = Untransmittable slogan in Brazil.

ABSTRACTKnowledge about HIV transmission and prevention is a necessary step for adopting preventive behaviors. We assessed HIV knowledge and its correlation with the perceived accuracy of the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) slogan in an online sample with 401 adult Brazilians. Overall, 28% of participants showed high HIV knowledge level. The perceived accuracy of the U=U slogan significantly correlated with HIV knowledge. Younger participants, those reporting lower income or lower education, or who had never tested for HIV showed poorer HIV knowledge. Filling gaps of knowledge among specific populations is urgent in order to increase preventive behaviors and decrease HIV stigma.

Towards UNAIDS 95-95-95: HIV knowledge and associated factors among young adults of 18 to 24 years age group in Northern Namibia

Background: Young adults have been worst affected by the HIV epidemic, and in many countries, they contribute about 50% of new infections. The infections are driven by lack of HIV knowledge, which contributes to poor HIV testing uptake among the young adults. This study aimed to assess the level of HIV knowledge among young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years who receive medical services at a private hospital in northern Namibia.Methods: A single centre, hospital based, analytic cross-sectional study design was used for the study. 84 participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire adopted from the HIV-KQ-45 questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical analysis included the use of Chi-square tests and logistic regression.Results: The findings of the study indicated that respondents who had good HIV knowledge were 58%. Chi-square tests showed there were statistically significant associations between residence and the HIV knowledge of participants, and between education level and HIV knowledge of participants (p&lt;0.01). Logistic regression revealed that participants living in rural areas were statistically significantly less likely to have good HIV knowledge, OR = 0.24, 95% CI (0.10-0.61).Conclusion: The low level of good HIV knowledge among young adults in northern Namibia is concerning, considering that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been around for more than four decades. Our findings underscore the need for tailored HIV knowledge delivery strategies, especially for rural communities.

The THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATIONAL LEVEL AND AGE WITH HIV/AIDS TRANSMISSION PREVENTION BEHAVIOR AMONG HOUSEWIVES IN ARCAWINANGUN SUB-DISTRICT PURWOKERTO TIMUR BANYUMAS REGENCY

WHO and UNAIDS declared Indonesia as the most dangerous zone for HIV/AIDS infection. The results of the UNAIDS analysis on the 2013-2018 health demographic survey data in 45 countries including Indonesia revealed that the level of women's knowledge about HIV was still in the low category. The level of HIV knowledge tends to be low among women with lower education levels and substandard incomes. One type of work with the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Indonesia is housewives. The purpose of this study was to determining the relationship between education level and age with HIV/AIDS transmission prevention behavior among housewives in Arcawinangun Village, East Purwokerto District, Banyumas Regency. This research deployed an observational study with a cross sectional design in Arcawinangun Village, East Purwokerto District, Banyumas Regency. The slovin formula with a sample size of 100 respondents was used as the sampling. Data were collected by using a behavioral questionnaire regarding the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission. The data analysis technique used in this research was logistic regression test. The results were derived from the analysis of the relationship between education level and age with the behavior of preventing HIV/AIDS transmission among housewives in Arcawinangun Village, East Purwokerto District, Banyumas Regency and were seen in logistic regression analysis test that obtained r-value = 0.815. There is an insignificant relationship between education level and age with HIV/AIDS transmission prevention behavior among housewives in Arcawinangun Village, East Purwokerto District, Banyumas Regency.&#x0D; Keywords: Educational level, age, prevention behavior, HIV/AIDS

Factors Associated with Unprotected Anal Sex among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Mexico.

The global prevalence of HIV is notably higher in men who have sex with men (MSM) compared with other male populations. Unprotected anal intercourse is the riskiest sexual behavior for HIV acquisition and/or transmission among this minority population. The purpose of the study was to identify if the syndemic of psychosocial stressors and experienced stigma are predictors of unprotected anal sex in Mexican MSM. A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out. It included adults residing in Manzanillo, Mexico, with oral/anal sex practices within the last year. Informed consent was given by 142 participants selected using snowball sampling. Collected data included sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial stressors, experienced stigma, HIV knowledge, knowing a friend/acquaintance living with HIV/AIDS, and sexual risk behaviors. Adjusted logistic regression was used to identify predictors of unprotected anal sex within the last six months. Presence of syndemic of psychosocial stressors, drug use during sex, having friends/acquaintances with HIV/AIDS, and experiencing high stigma were positively associated; high level of HIV knowledge was negatively linked. Reducing psychosocial stressors and integrating stigma-mitigation strategies are key elements to reduce HIV transmission.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS and its prevention among Ghanaian women

Background: HIV/AIDS is still a major public health issue around the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where this has resulted in unquantifiable human suffering, social and cultural disruption, and enormous economic losses. Methods: This study aims to assess women’s knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS and its prevention in Ghana. To perform an analytic cross-sectional study, this study used data (the women in reproductive age 15-49 years dataset) from the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/18. Bivariate analysis was done using chi-square and predictor variables were identified using binary logistics regression. Results: This study recorded good HIV knowledge and attitude levels of 81.9% and 10.5%. Factors that predicted only good HIV knowledge levels were ethnicity, and disability status. Also, predictors of only good attitude level were type of residence and marital status. Factors implicated in the prediction of both good knowledge and attitude levels were age, educational status, region of orientation, health insurance status, economic status, and media exposure. Conclusions: This study recorded a good HIV knowledge level among the majority of the women, but recorded most respondents having a poor attitude toward HIV.

Development and Evaluation of Short-Form Measures of the HIV/AIDS Knowledge Assessment Tool Among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Brazil: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundIn theoretical models of health behavior, knowledge about disease transmission and self-protective behaviors are conceptualized as important drivers of behavior change. Several studies conducted in Brazil point to an unfortunate convergence of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations with low levels of HIV knowledge and younger age, lower education, engagement in higher-risk sexual behavior, and never having tested for HIV. Measures to assess level of HIV knowledge have been previously published, including the 12-item HIV/AIDS Knowledge Assessment (HIV-KA) tool. However, measure length can be a barrier to assessment.ObjectiveWe started from the 12-item HIV-KA tool and developed candidate short forms using statistical procedures, evaluated their psychometric properties, and tested the equivalency of their associations with other measures of HIV knowledge compared to the 12-item version.MethodsA convenience sample of SGM was recruited during September 2020 to complete an online survey through advertisements on two social networking apps (Grindr and Hornet). The survey instrument included items on sociodemographic information, prior HIV testing and HIV test results, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral treatment use, sexual behavior, and 3 HIV knowledge measures: the HIV-KA, World Health Organization Knowledge About HIV Transmission Prevention Indicator, and the Brief HIV Knowledge Questionnaire. We used exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the factor structure of the of the HIV-KA. We used optimal test assembly (OTA) methods to develop candidate short forms of the HIV-KA and evaluated them based on prespecified reliability, concurrent validity, and statistically equivalent convergent validity criteria.ResultsAmong 2552 SGM individuals from Brazil, mean age was 35.1 years, 98.2% (2507/2552) cisgender men and 1.8% (45/2552) transgender/nonbinary, 56.5% (1441/2552) White, and 31.0% (792/2552) self-reported HIV positive. CFA indicated a 1-factor structure for the 12-item HIV-KA. Concurrent validity correlations were high for all short forms with 6 items, but only versions with 9 items were as reliable as the full-length form and demonstrated equivalency for convergent validity correlations. Suggesting post hoc convergent validity, HIV knowledge scores using the 9- and 10-item short forms were higher for participants who perceived the Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U) slogan as completely accurate versus not accurate. Suggesting post hoc concurrent validity, participants of younger age, of Black, Pardo or indigenous race, and reporting lower education and lower income scored lower on HIV knowledge. Participants who never tested for HIV scored lower than those who tested negative or positive, while those currently using PrEP scored higher than those reporting past or never use.ConclusionsOTA methods were used to shorten the 12-item HIV-KA to 9-item and 10-item versions while maintaining comparable reliability and validity among a large sample of Brazilian SGM. However, these short forms did not shorten sufficiently to justify deviation from the full measure.

HIV Knowledge and Perceived Risk Among Black Men and Women Who Are Incarcerated in Kentucky.

In the United States, Black men and women who are incarcerated bear a disproportionate and inequitable burden of HIV infection. While HIV knowledge does not consistently predict HIV risk behaviors, HIV knowledge can inform one's perceptions of their risk for HIV. We examined gender differences in HIV knowledge and perceived risk of contracting HIV (N = 424) among Black men and women who were incarcerated and nearing community reentry from seven prisons in Kentucky. Our results demonstrated that women reported greater levels of HIV knowledge and perceived greater risk for contracting HIV than their male counterparts. Implications for HIV prevention interventions are discussed.

The Effect of Age on Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among African American Undergraduate Students

Objective: This study assessed the effect of age on HIV knowledge level among African American undergraduates at Jackson State University (JSU).&#x0D; Methods: A total of 400 respondents were randomly selected from undergraduate students at JSU. A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Self-administered questionnaires regarding HIV knowledge level were used.&#x0D; Results: Some respondents of this study had HIV knowledge gaps and misconceptions about the disease. This research results showed that majority of the students had good HIV knowledge level and there was no significant difference between students aged 18-24 and students aged 25 and above regarding HIV knowledge (P = 0.65).&#x0D; Conclusions: Some knowledge gaps and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS were identified in this study. This research study suggests the use of drama and other social media messaging platforms that are more appealing to this vulnerable age group in the elimination of HIV knowledge gaps and misconceptions identified in this study.

Case-Control Study on the Vulnerability of Women to HIV, Kaolack, 2019

Introduction: Despite a low prevalence that hides disparities between regions and genders, HIV infection in Senegal is progressing. Women are more vulnerable. The objective was to study the determinants of women’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection. Methodology: This was a case-control study carried out at the Kasnack Health Center, Kaolack in 2019. And 80 HIV-positive cases and 240 HIV-negative controls participated in the study. A questionnaire was administered to the selected women after their consent. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info and Stata software. Results: the mean age of the cases was 32 ± 9.7 years and that of the controls was 29.5 ± 8.5 years. Women were often housewives or traders; half of them had no schooling. Care was accessible for 74.4% of women. The level of knowledge of means of HIV prevention was medium in 71.3% of cases and 0.8% of controls. That of the modes of transmission was medium in 47.5% of cases and 0.8% of controls. The majority of controls (99.2%) had a low level of knowledge of means of prevention and modes of HIV transmission. Risky practices were 40% and 7.9% among cases and controls, respectively, and vulnerability was 40% and 7.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The level of HIV knowledge is low among most women. It is better in HIV-positive women who are more exposed to risky practices that increase their vulnerability. Reducing this vulnerability requires improving their knowledge and their empowerment.

A potential syndemic effect associated with symptoms of depression among men who have sex with men.

Introduction:Globally, depression rates are high among men who have sex with men (MSM). Multiple factors may interact synergistically to increase this risk. This analysis assessed the prevalence of symptoms of depression among MSM in Brazil and synergistic effects of several factors.Methods:Cross-sectional study conducted in 12 cities using respondent-driven sampling. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were collected. The PHQ-9 was used to screen for depression. Having moderate-severe depressive symptoms was compared to none-mild using logistic regression. The syndemic factor was a composite of hazardous alcohol use, sexual violence, and discrimination due to sexual orientation. Those with one to three of these factors were compared to those with none.Results:The weighted prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms was 24.9% (95%CI = 21.8-28.8) and 16.2%, 22.9%, 46.0% and 51.0% when none, one, two, or three syndemic factors were present, respectively, indicating a dose-response effect. Perception of HIV risk, high level of HIV knowledge, known HIV infection, and health self-rated as poor or very poor were also associated with depressive symptoms.Conclusion:The prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms among MSM in Brazil is high, and selected factors act synergistically in increasing their prevalence. Public health policies should consider holistic depression prevention and treatment interventions for this population.

Assessment and predictors of HIV knowledge among vocational school adolescents in Thailand

Background: Despite substantial progress in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome globally, it remains a threat to global adolescent health. This study assessed the level of HIV knowledge among vocational school students and identified the relevant factors. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted from August to September 2019. A total of 345 students aged 15 to 19 years were selected from three vocational schools in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, using a multistage random sampling technique. The HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (18 item version) was used to collect the data, which were analysed by mean, frequency, Chi- square and binary logistic regression. Results: Only 38.8% of participants were fully aware of HIV knowledge; five individual items showed a significant difference in knowledge of HIV between males and females; two items relating to HIV prevention knowledge (P=0.021, 0.009); two items relating HIV transmission (P=0.028, 0.035); one item relating to HIV diagnosis (P=0.008). Factors that were significantly associated with HIV knowledge included gender (male vs. female, OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.01-3.34), residence (sub-district municipality area vs. sub-district of administrative organization area, OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.84), education (2nd and 3rd academic year vs. 1st, OR 7.00, 95% CI 2.40-20.41; OR 6.40, 95% CI 2.05-20.01) and source of income (from both parents vs. self, OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.04-0.64). Conclusions: There are serious deficits and disparities in the knowledge of male and female adolescents on HIV transmission, prevention and diagnosis, and there is a need to expand the provision of gender-focused sexual health education programs.

Associations between impulsive personality traits and HIV-related knowledge, beliefs and behaviours among college students in Chengdu, China: a cross-sectional study.

Impulsive personality traits (IPTs) are key predictors of individuals' engagement in sexual risk behaviours. This study investigated the associations between IPTs and HIV-related knowledge, beliefs and behaviours among Chinese college students. A sample of 1062 freshmen (first year) and sophomore (second year) students was obtained through stratified random sampling from 11 universities and colleges in Chengdu, China. The sociodemographic information, and HIV-related knowledge, beliefs and behaviours were investigated. A 20-item Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale (S-UPPS-P) was employed to estimate IPTs. Contingency table analyses (χ 2 ) and adjusted logistic regression were used to analyse the association between IPTs and HIV-related knowledge, beliefs and behaviours. The S-UPPS-P scale measure of IPTs yielded scores among college students ranging from 26 to 70. Students with a greater level of IPTs were more likely to have a high level of HIV stigma (aOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.13-1.89), and a low level of HIV knowledge (aOR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.11-1.80) and HIV prevention beliefs (aOR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.09-1.80). All variables of HIV-related behaviours were not significantly associated with IPTs (all P >0.05). Future campus health education should provide HIV education without neglect of early identification of students' IPTs.

Factors influencing HIV testing and counselling services among men who have sex with men in Western China: a cross-sectional study based on Andersen's Behavioral Model.

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM), as a marginal population, has been largely ignored by health service projects. We assessed the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services and its influencing factors based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model, so as to provide a theoretical basis for future infectious disease prevention and control strategies and health services policy formulation for these population.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study. A sample survey was conducted in Western China, and an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among MSM. Based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model, the questionnaire divided the influencing factors into predisposing factor, enabling factor and need factor. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the utilization of HIV testing and counselling.ResultsThere were 3184 valid questionnaires. In the survey of HIV health services, 82.85% MSM had HIV testing and 64.98% MSM had HIV counselling, respectively. Among the predisposing factor, age 25 years old and over was a facilitator of HIV testing and counselling, and ethnicity was a factor associated with HIV testing. Among the enabling factor, MSM living in urban were more likely to have access to testing and counselling services, and income was also linked to HIV testing. Among the need factor, a high level of HIV knowledge could promote testing and counselling, and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was a facilitator of testing.ConclusionsHIV testing is widespread in Western China and higher than counselling service. MSM with high-risk characteristics should be identified as a priority in the future public health services.