Factors associated with intention to be tested for HIV among men who have sex with men in a country with a very low HIV prevalence

ABSTRACT

This study examined factors associated with the intention to take an HIV test among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Korea. An internet website-based survey was conducted among users of the only and largest online MSM website between 20 July 2016, and 20 August 2016. A total of 2915 participants completed the survey and answered questions related to sociodemographic information, health behaviors, sexual behaviors, and HIV testing history. Of these, 2587 (88.7%) participants responded as having an intention to take an HIV test. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the following as having reduced the intention to undergo HIV testing: very good subjective health status and no sexual interactions during the last 6 months (Adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 0.45 and 0.54, respectively). In contrast, increased intention to take an HIV test was associated with being 20–29 years old, 30–39 years old, not paying or receiving money for sex, having a history of HIV testing, and taking an HIV test once per 12 months (AOR 2.64, 2.13, 1.54, 1.81, and 2.17, respectively). In conclusion, HIV testing among MSM in this study was associated with age, subjective health status, sex(es) of one’s sexual partner(s) during the last 6 months, sexual risk behaviors, HIV testing history, and undergoing regular HIV testing.

KEYWORDS:

• MSM
• Online survey
• HIV screening test
• Epidemiology

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the participants of the survey and the staff of IVANCITY for their assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Hye Jin Yang http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5238-7820

Ji Hwan Bang http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7628-1182

Jungmee Kim http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1955-843X

Young Hwa Lee http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2073-993X

YooJin Park http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1602-8222

In Sil Huh http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7939-8565

Cho Ryok Kang http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9212-8292

Sung-II Cho http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4085-1494

Myoung-don Oh http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2344-7695

Eung Soo Hwang http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9562-4577

Jong-Koo Lee http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4833-1178

Additional information

Funding

This study was financially supported by the Division of Life and Health of Seoul Metropolitan Government. The financial supporter had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis, decision to publish, or writing of the manuscript. The contents and views of this study are the opinions of the authors and may be different from those of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.