HIV Testing Behaviors Research Articles

Discordant Reporting of Partner Labels, HIV Testing and Sexual Behavior Among a Sample of Partnered Men Who have Sex with Men in the US.

There is growing evidence that sexual behaviors among male couples are strongly shaped by emotional and quality characteristics of the relationship, and that the labels that men attach to their relationships may indicate how men perceive and engage in risk taking. There has been a lack of attention to how male couples label their relationships, and how discordant understandings of relationship labels may shape HIV risk behavior. Using data from a sample of 804 partnered men who have sex with men, this analysis examines associations between discordant relationship labeling and participation in HIV testing and sexual behavior. Men who labeled their relationship differently from their partners were less likely to have been recently tested for HIV and more likely to engage in sexual risk. The results underscore the need to develop interventions that provide spaces and skills for men to learn how to effectively navigate HIV risks in their relationships.

Status quo and characteristic analysis among MSM-users of the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" in Guangzhou

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" among MSM who frequently using the Internet in Guangzhou. Methods: An online survey was conducted among MSM who were recruited through gay-website portals between August and September, 2018 in Guangzhou, to collect information regarding the use of and attitudes on the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" . Logistic regression was used to explore the association between the use of Internet intervention tools and related behavioral characteristics. Information on the awareness of AIDS, HIV testing, and condomless anal sex behavior were compared between the core or non-core services users. Results: A total of 777 Internet-based MSM were recruited as participants including 638 men (82.1%) as core service users. MSM were satisfied in using the the "Interner Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" while more than 80.0% of the users felt that the tools were helpful in: increasing the HIV awareness, promoting test uptake, and reducing those related risk behavior. Comparing with those who did not use the tools, the users showed higher rates in practising condomless anal intercourse (1.50-1.86 times), commercial sex with men (11.60-21.21 times), and unprotected vaginal intercourse (13.62-20.67 times), in the last 6 months. Proportions of core service users appeared as: [96.6% vs. 74.8%, aOR (95%CI): 8.80 (4.85-15.97)] on HIV testing, [56.4% vs. 22.3%, aOR (95%CI): 4.54 (2.94-7.02)] on regular HIV testing and [86.2% vs. 80.6%, aOR (95%CI): 1.75 (1.06-2.89)] on awareness of HIV knowledge respectively, which were all significantly higher than the non-core service users. Conclusions: The frequent Internet using MSM in Guangzhou claimed to have had high acceptance and satisfaction on the local Internet HIV intervention service tools. The "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" had effectively reached the high-risk subgroups of MSM, increasing the awareness on related risk and promoting testing on HIV.

Medicaid Expansion, HIV Testing, and HIV-Related Risk Behaviors in the United States, 2010-2017.

Objectives. To examine the relationship between Medicaid expansion under the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and both HIV testing and risk behavior among nonelderly adults in the United States.Methods. We pooled 2010 to 2017 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and focused our main analysis on respondents aged between 25 and 64 years from families with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. We used the difference-in-difference method and sample-weighted multivariable models to control for individual, state-area-level, and trend factors.Results. Medicaid expansion was associated with a significant 3.22-percentage-point increase in HIV test rates (P < .01) for individuals below 138% of the federal poverty level, with the largest impacts on non-Hispanic Blacks, age groups 35 to 44 years and 55 to 64 years, and rural areas. Expansion was not related to changes in HIV-related risk behavior.Conclusions. Medicaid expansion promoted HIV testing without increasing HIV risk behavior, but there were large disparities across race/ethnicity, age, and geographic area types.Public Health Implications. Nonexpansion states, mostly in the South, might have missed an opportunity to increase HIV test rates, which could have serious future health and financial consequences.

Bridging Awareness and Acceptance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and the Need for Targeting Chemsex and HIV Testing: Cross-Sectional Survey

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is currently an important tool for HIV prevention, especially in communities with higher risk of infection, notably men who have sex with men (MSM). To date, PrEP has remained generally unavailable in many cities around the world. In the planning of strategies for PrEP targeting MSM, community assessment is crucial to understand members’ responses to the new intervention.ObjectiveAwareness and acceptance are 2 different but intricately linked contexts of PrEP. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of awareness and acceptance of PrEP among MSM and to delineate their interrelationships in Hong Kong where PrEP services have not been developed.MethodsA Web-based questionnaire survey was administered in light of the popularity of the internet as a platform for information and networking in the MSM community. Factors associated with PrEP acceptance and awareness were separately analyzed, and their predictors were subsequently tested by multivariate logistic regression. Associations between acceptance and awareness of PrEP were examined by factor network analysis.ResultsBetween August and September 2016, results from a total of 453 HIV-negative MSM were analyzed. Half (49.7%, 225/453) of the respondents were aware of PrEP, and 78.3% (355/453) would consider using PrEP when it becomes available. Awareness of PrEP was associated with recent (P=.01) and ongoing (P=.04) use of psychotropic drugs for sex (chemsex). MSM who used online forums to seek sex partners had lower awareness (P=.04) than those visiting physical venues for sex networking. MSM who accepted PrEP were more likely users of internet channels for sex networking (P=.049), especially location-based social network apps (P=.04). MSM accepting PrEP were more concerned about their partners’ HIV status (P=.002), history of sexually transmitted infections (P=.01), condom use (P=.02), and HIV testing behavior (P=.02). Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that PrEP awareness was related to one’s networking pattern, whereas its acceptance was associated with inclination to self-protect from HIV. Factor network analysis highlighted the importance of chemsex, which was linked by over half of the edges, whereas the rest were contributed by HIV testing behaviors.ConclusionsIn Hong Kong, the overall awareness among MSM toward PrEP was only moderate but their acceptance was higher. Targeting MSM with chemsex behaviors through Web-based platforms and parallel development of tailored HIV testing services are important when introducing PrEP in the community.

Understanding the barriers and factors to HIV testing intention of women engaging in compensated dating in Hong Kong: The application of the extended Theory of Planned Behavior.

BackgroundWomen engaging in compensated dating is one of the at risk group of HIV infection due to multiple sexual partnerships and risky sexual practices. The present study examined the prevalence of HIV testing behavior and intention, and identified factors associated with HIV testing intention among women engaging in compensated dating in Hong Kong. Factors from the Theory of Planned Behaviors and the role of various types of barriers to HIV testing were also explored.MethodsAn anonymous, cross-sectional survey was conducted online. Target participants were women who have engaged in compensated dating and provided sex services to clients. Participants were recruited via three sources, including i) online outreaching, ii) referral made by NGOs, and iii) referral made by participants. A total of 183 participants completed the study.ResultsRespectively 29.7% and 18.6% have taken up HIV testing and showed intention to take up HIV testing in the future year. Results from the multiple hierarchical regression model showed that having ever received HIV testing (β = 0.44, p < .001), attitudes towards HIV testing (β = 0.22, p < .01), subjective norm (β = 0.18, p < .05), perceived behavioral control (β = 0.18, p < .01) and perceived discrimination from health care workers (β = -0.24, p < .05) significantly predicted intention to take up HIV testing.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates the applicability of extended TPB in HIV testing intention among women engaging in compensated dating. Interventions to promote HIV testing among this group are greatly warranted.

HIV testing intentions and behaviors among 14-17-year-old sexual minority males

ABSTRACTAdolescent sexual minority males have low rates of HIV testing despite increased risk for HIV acquisition. This study will examine adolescent sexual minority males’ (a) HIV testing behaviors and intentions, and (b) associations with disclosure to healthcare providers of male-male attraction. Sexual minority males were recruited using social media sites to obtain a national sample. Participants (N = 207) were 14-17-year-old cisgender males living in the U.S. who (1) self-identified as gay/bisexual, (2) reported sexual attraction to males, or (3) reported past-year voluntary sexual contact with a male. Only 14% of participants reported they had tested for HIV, even though 20% reported a history of condomless anal intercourse with male partners. Three-quarters (77%) planned to test for HIV, but only 48% planned to test annually (i.e., current CDC recommendation). Only 20% of participants had disclosed male-male attraction to their healthcare provider, but adolescents who disclosed had five times the odds of testing for HIV (AOR = 5.40). Rates of HIV testing and disclosure of male-male interests to a healthcare provider are low among adolescent sexual minority males. Given the association between disclosure and HIV testing, creating non-judgmental healthcare settings and optimizing patient-provider communication are likely to improve uptake of HIV testing by at-risk youth.

HIV testing behaviour and HIV prevalence among female sex workers in Ukraine: findings from an Integrated Bio-Behavioural Survey, 2013–2014

ObjectivesUkraine has one of the largest HIV epidemics in Europe, with high prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs). We aimed to identify factors associated with HIV testing and receipt of...

HIV testing among people who inject drugs in Ivanovo and Novosibirsk, Russia.

HIV testing among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Russia has been documented to be low; however, few studies have been conducted outside of the major metropolitan cities. The aim of this study was to determine how many PWID were aware of their HIV serostatus and what motivators were associated with getting tested for HIV. Our analysis describes HIV testing behaviours among 593 PWID in Ivanovo and Novosibirsk, Russia. Participants completed a questionnaire and consented to HIV testing. We used logistic regression modelling to determine demographic and behavioural correlates of HIV testing. Self-reported history of HIV testing was 52% in Ivanovo and 54% in Novosibirsk. Prior knowledge of serostatus was very low among PWID who tested positive (3 of 102 in Ivanovo and 0 of 11 in Novosibirsk). The most common reason for testing was doctor referral, and the most common locations were government HIV/AIDS centres and prisons. HIV testing was rarely client initiated or led by a personal motivation for being tested. HIV testing in Ivanovo and Novosibirsk is suboptimal, resulting in poor knowledge of HIV serostatus. More programmes to promote HIV testing among PWID are urgently needed in both cities.

Preferences for an HIV prevention mobile phone app: a qualitative study among men who have sex with men in China

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) have a disproportionate burden of HIV infection. Mobile phone apps provide a promising means of improving HIV prevention among MSM. But this has received little examination in China. The objective of this study was to explore MSM’s preferences for an HIV prevention mobile phone app.MethodsQualitative semi-structured personal interviews were conducted with 19 MSM to determine their preferences for features and content to inform the design of an app aimed at HIV prevention in China.ResultsFive categories were identified under the main category preferences for features of the app: target population, attributes, language used, potential user access, and perceived usefulness. Five categories were identified under the main category preferences for content of the app: functions to facilitate HIV testing behavior, HIV post-exposure prevention, warning against substance use, psychological support, and areas for communication.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the design of an app targeting MSM in China should use an integrated framework addressing behavioral and psychological aspects, satisfy common needs of potential users, avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and stigma, and avoid possible increase of risk behavior due to using the app.

Effects of a Short Message Service(SMS) Intervention on Reduction of HIV Risk Behaviours and Improving HIV Testing RatesAmong Populationslocated near Roadside Wellness Clinics: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Short Message Service (SMS) offers an innovative method of promoting sexual health to key and vulnerable populations who are users of mobile phones and are at high risk of HIV infection. This cluster randomised control trial tests the effectiveness of a SMS intervention in reducing HIV risk behaviours and improving HIV testing behaviours among truck drivers, sex workers and community residents located near Roadside Wellness Clinics (RWCs)in three southern African countries. The SMS arm received 35 HIV risk reduction and HIV testing SMSs over a 6-month period. The SMS intervention had no significant impact on sexual risk behaviours. However, participants in the SMS arm were more likely to have tested for HIV in the previous 6 months (86.1% vs. 77.7%; AOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.11-2.66). The results indicate that the general SMS intervention, which provide health promoting information, improved HIV testing rates in key and vulnerable populations in southern Africa.

Leading by Example: Web-Based Sexual Health Influencers Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Have Higher HIV and Syphilis Testing Rates in China

BackgroundThe spread of healthy behaviors through social networks may be accelerated by influential individuals. Previous studies have used lay health influencers to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among internet-using men who have sex with men (MSM). However, there is a lack of understanding of the characteristics of this key subset of MSM.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine sociodemographic characteristics, HIV and syphilis testing, and sexual behaviors of Web-based MSM sexual health influencers (SHIs) in China, defined as individuals with relatively stronger influence on spreading HIV and STI information online.MethodsA Web-based survey of MSM was conducted in August 2017 as a final follow-up of a randomized controlled trial promoting HIV testing in 8 Chinese cities. Men were recruited through a gay social networking mobile phone app and were included if they were born biologically male, aged 16 years and above, ever had sex with another man, and HIV negative or with unknown HIV status. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and HIV and syphilis testing was obtained. We assessed men’s Web-based sexual health influence using a standardized 6-item opinion leadership scale focused on HIV and STI information. Influencers were defined as those whose mean score ranked within the top 13% (a higher score means greater influence). We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to measure Web-based sexual health influence’s association with HIV and syphilis testing, controlling for intervention trial effects, age, education, income, and marital status.ResultsOverall, 1031 men completed the survey. Most men were younger than 30 years (819/1031, 79.43%) and had at least college education (667/1031, 64.69%). Influencers were more likely to get tested for HIV (73/132, 55.3% vs 337/899, 37.5%; P<.001) and syphilis (35/132, 26.5% vs 137/899, 15.2%; P=.001) in the last 3 months compared with noninfluencers. There were no significant differences in condomless sex with male partners (26/132, 19.7% vs 203/899, 22.6%; P=.46), mean number of male sex partners (1.32 vs 1.11; P=.16) in the last 3 months, and mainly meeting male sex partners online in the last 12 months (97/132, 73.5% vs 669/899, 74.4%; P=.82) between influencers and noninfluencers. Regression analyses showed that influencers had higher odds of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.48-3.17) and syphilis testing (AOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.10) in the last 3 months.ConclusionsWe identified Web-based SHIs who might be more likely to help promote healthy HIV and syphilis testing behaviors through MSM populations. Leveraging existing influencers may help improve HIV and syphilis testing among their networks.

Underutilization of HIV Testing Among Men with Incarceration Histories.

Annual HIV testing is recommended for individuals at high risk of infection, specifically incarcerated populations. Incarcerated men carry a higher lifetime risk of acquiring HIV than the general population, yet little is known about their HIV testing behaviors. We collected Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview data for 819 men entering a state prison in North Carolina. We assessed correlates of previous HIV testing, including stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs, and explored two outcomes: (1) ever HIV tested before current incarceration, and (2) recency of last HIV test. Eighty percent had been HIV tested before; of those, 36% reported testing within the last year. Being African American, having education beyond high school, prior incarceration, and higher HIV knowledge increased odds of ever having tested. Results of this study highlight the need to expand HIV testing and education specific to incarcerated populations. Additionally, efforts should be made to monitor and encourage repeat screening.

Complex Patterns Across the Migration Process and Associated HIV Testing and Risk Behaviors among Latino Immigrants.

Migrants are at elevated risk for adverse HIV-related outcomes. Yet, there is limited understanding about the complexity of the migration process and the different migration experiences that may influence HIV testing and risk behaviors. This study examined whether patterns in immigrants' migration experience were associated with HIV risk and preventive behaviors. Surveys were conducted with Latino immigrant adults (n = 306) in New York City during the spring of 2017. Informed by formative interviews, variables were developed to assess the migration process and document information about Latino immigrants' experiences during six particular stages of migration (pre-departure, travel, destination, interception, return, and settlement). We conducted a Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to detect patterns in the migration experience among participants and examined the associations between the latent classes and HIV testing and risk behaviors. LCA clustered participants into three migration experience classes: positive experience (50.3%), neutral experience (36.3%), and negative experience (13.4%). The migration classes were significantly associated with sociodemographic variables, including sex, age, and income. Different experiences during the migration process did not influence immigrants' past or current HIV testing or risk behaviors. However, the migration classes were associated with immigrants' future intentions to test for HIV with the positive migration experience class reporting greater intentions to test for HIV in the next 12months than the negative experience class (aOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.21-7.17; p < .05). Results suggest the applicability of a migration experience framework for understanding future HIV risk and preventive behaviors among immigrants.

Application of the Health Belief Model to HIV Testing and Counselling Among Youth Living in Selected Rural Communities in Ghana

Human Immune Virus/Acquired Humane Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a pandemic that has caused devastating effects on both infected and affected persons. However, with the discovery of Anti-Retroviral Therapy, early detection of HIV leads to timely treatment, which significantly leads to prolong life. This study aimed at predicting the HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) behaviour of youth of selected rural communities in Ghana using the health belief model (HBM). This cross sectional study was conducted on 424 youth using a questionnaire. By applying the multi stage sampling technique, a dominantly rural district was first purposefully selected, and then the communities through simple random sampling, and lastly the individual youth were purposefully selected. Data was processed and analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Findings from the study revealed that, respondents’ perceived susceptibility to HTC, perceived benefits and the level of awareness (cues to action) were high, however respondents perceived barriers to HTC was indifferent. It was also found that an increase in a person’s perceived benefits was likely to affect one’s perceived barriers to participate in HIV Testing and Counselling. This indicates a crucial need for formal educational programs to sensitize them regarding the benefits of HTC. Stakeholders in health should therefore focus HIV/AIDS educational programmes on the benefits of HIV screening behaviours to the youth.

HIV Knowledge and Risk Behaviors Among Older Church-Affiliated Blacks.

There is an emerging population of older adults living with HIV, and among them, Black older adults experience the greatest burden of the disease. This is a growing public health concern, as older adults are disproportionately diagnosed at a later stage of the disease, while reporting similar risk factors as younger adults. It has also been shown that the Black Church is well positioned to offer health screenings. Thus, this study aimed to assess HIV knowledge, beliefs, and risk behaviors of older church-affiliated Black adults. Data were collected from a sample of Black adults (N = 543) from four predominately Black churches in Kansas City, MO. Participants were surveyed on measures assessing demographic characteristics, HIV knowledge and attitudes, and HIV testing and risk behaviors. Results indicated that compared to younger Black adults, Black older adults were less knowledgeable about the transmission of HIV and were less willing to be tested for HIV in church settings. However, there was no significant difference on the perceived seriousness of HIV in the community. Results further showed that Black older adults were less likely to use condoms/barriers during the past 6 months and over their lifetime. We discuss the implications of results for HIV intervention programs.

Assessing the accuracy of self-reporting HIV testing behaviour in Houston/Harris County, Texas

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA Rehman H, Khuwaja S, Siddiqui Z, Chronister K. Assessing the accuracy of self-reporting HIV testing behaviour in Houston/Harris County, Texas. HIV & AIDS Review. International Journal of HIV-Related Problems. 2019;18(1):50-56. doi:10.5114/hivar.2019.84201. APA Rehman, H., Khuwaja, S., Siddiqui, Z., & Chronister, K. (2019). Assessing the accuracy of self-reporting HIV testing behaviour in Houston/Harris County, Texas. HIV & AIDS Review. International Journal of HIV-Related Problems, 18(1), 50-56. https://doi.org/10.5114/hivar.2019.84201 Chicago Rehman, Hafeez, Salma Khuwaja, Zuhair Siddiqui, and Karen Chronister. 2019. "Assessing the accuracy of self-reporting HIV testing behaviour in Houston/Harris County, Texas". HIV & AIDS Review. International Journal of HIV-Related Problems 18 (1): 50-56. doi:10.5114/hivar.2019.84201. Harvard Rehman, H., Khuwaja, S., Siddiqui, Z., and Chronister, K. (2019). Assessing the accuracy of self-reporting HIV testing behaviour in Houston/Harris County, Texas. HIV & AIDS Review. International Journal of HIV-Related Problems, 18(1), pp.50-56. https://doi.org/10.5114/hivar.2019.84201 MLA Rehman, Hafeez et al. "Assessing the accuracy of self-reporting HIV testing behaviour in Houston/Harris County, Texas." HIV & AIDS Review. International Journal of HIV-Related Problems, vol. 18, no. 1, 2019, pp. 50-56. doi:10.5114/hivar.2019.84201. Vancouver Rehman H, Khuwaja S, Siddiqui Z, Chronister K. Assessing the accuracy of self-reporting HIV testing behaviour in Houston/Harris County, Texas. HIV & AIDS Review. International Journal of HIV-Related Problems. 2019;18(1):50-56. doi:10.5114/hivar.2019.84201.

Characteristics of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Myanmar who test frequently for HIV

# Background HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Myanmar is increasing and less than half report having a HIV test in the past 12 months. The promotion of regular testing among this group has been identified as a key priority of the national HIV response, yet there remains limited information on HIV testing patterns and frequency among MSM and TW. # Methods A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among self-identifying MSM and TW in November 2015 recruited from known hot-spot locations in Yangon and Mandalay to characterise the self-reported HIV testing frequencies among MSM and TW and explore factors associated with high frequency HIV testing. # Results Among 353 HIV negative or unknown MSM and TW, more than half were identified as high frequency testers based on their regular HIV testing routine and date of last HIV test; this was significantly associated with reporting recent sex with regular male partners and location of last HIV test. # Conclusion Our findings contrast with national data suggesting sub-optimal testing uptake and support HIV testing delivered through community-based, tailored HIV testing services and the role of such models in establishing and maintaining regular HIV testing behaviours among MSM and TW in Myanmar.

Relationship between self-efficacy and HIV testing uptake among young men who have sex with men in Myanmar: a cross-sectional analysis.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally affected by the HIV epidemic. Self-efficacy is an important individual psychosocial factor associated with access to and use of health and HIV-related services. We estimated HIV testing prevalence and examined the relationship between HIV testing self-efficacy and self-reported HIV testing behavior among young MSM (YMSM) in Myanmar. We enrolled 585 MSM aged 18–24 years from six urban areas using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique. RDS analyses were performed to provide estimates for the key outcome of interest. More than a third (34.5%) had never been tested for HIV, whereas 27.5% and 38.0% had their most recent HIV test more than three months and within the past three months from the time of interview, respectively. Young MSM who reported high self-efficacy (adjusted relative risk ratio [ARR]=7.35, 95%CI = 2.29–23.5) and moderate self-efficacy (ARR = 8.61, 95%CI = 3.09–24.0) were more likely to report having tested for HIV in the past three months compared to their counterparts who reported low self-efficacy. Findings highlight a positive association between self-efficacy and HIV testing uptake, indicating a potential causal relationship. Further research is needed to examine the direction of this association and inform future public health interventions targeting YMSM in Myanmar.

Birth Cohort Variations Across Functional Knowledge of HIV Prevention Strategies, Perceived Risk, and HIV-Associated Behaviors Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States.

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United States remain heavily impacted by HIV. The purpose of this study was to describe intergenerational differences in functional knowledge of HIV prevention strategies, perceived risk, recent condomless anal sex (CAS), and HIV testing behavior. Eight hundred sexually active GBMSM were recruited via Facebook from August to September 2015, and administered a Web-based survey which included 12 multiple-choice questions to elicit data regarding functional knowledge of different HIV prevention approaches (e.g., condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis post-exposure prophylaxis, treatment as prevention, circumcision). Cumulative logit and multivariable logistic models were formulated to examine birth cohort variations across four analytic outcomes. Younger generations were significantly more knowledgeable, as were GBMSM with higher education. Non-Hispanic non-White GBMSM and those reporting a bisexual/other sexual orientation had lower functional knowledge. Younger generations were equally concerned about contracting HIV as their older counterparts. Perceived risk was significantly higher among non-Hispanic non-White and Hispanic GBMSM, but lower among those with higher education and those in a relationship. Finally, birth cohort variations with respect to engaging in CAS with ≥2 men in the past 3 months and testing for HIV in the past year were not markedly pronounced. Younger GBMSM might be more knowledgeable about HIV prevention strategies compared to their predecessors, but are equally concerned about contracting HIV. Researchers and practitioners should consider intergenerational and other demographic differences while designing multifaceted HIV prevention programs for GBMSM.

Mobile phone messaging to promote uptake of HIV testing among migrant African communities in the UK

Background: In the UK, African communities are a focus of public health efforts to increase uptake of HIV testing. Mobile phone interventions may be an innovative way of reaching migrant groups who are known to face multiple obstacles in accessing mainstream health services. This paper presents findings from a feasibility study that used participatory approaches to investigate the use of a text messaging intervention to encourage HIV testing among migrant African communities. Methods: Participants were recruited in the city of Nottingham by a team of community researchers. They were sent two text messages per week (one on HIV and one on general health) for 12 weeks. Baseline and follow-up questionnaires were completed to measure HIV testing behaviour, HIV-related knowledge and attitudes and general health. Participants’ views on the intervention were solicited. Results: One hundred and sixty-nine participants were enrolled in the study. Follow-up data on HIV testing were obtained for 76 participants (45%) and complete follow-up measures were available from 60 participants (36%). Eight reported seeking an HIV test during the study period. There were statistically significant positive changes in attitudes about HIV and a trend towards increased knowledge about HIV. One-third of participants reported improvements in physical activity levels, diet and stress management following the intervention. The intervention messages and structure were positively evaluated. Conclusion: Well-designed mobile phone messaging proved to be a feasible and acceptable intervention to promote both HIV testing and lifestyle behaviours among African migrant communities in the UK. When co-constructed with communities, they hold considerable promise for overcoming some of the health-related barriers faced by migrant populations in new countries. Future research and service development should focus on exploiting and evaluating this potential in relation to other key health priorities.