Socio-demographic factors predicting HIV test seeking behaviour among MSM in 6 EU cities

Eur J Public Health. 2017 Apr 1;27(2):313-318. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw144.

Abstract

Background: HIV testing is generally accepted as being the lynchpin of a prevention strategy to tackle the HIV epidemic among MSM. However, few studies have analysed in detail the factors that influence HIV test seeking behaviour.

Methods: The objective of this article is to analyse the relationship between HIV test seeking behaviour and individual, social and demographic factors in a sample of MSM recruited though a multi-centre bio-behavioural cross-sectional study. A multi-level analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with HIV test seeking behaviour.

Results: A total of 2400 men were included in the sample. Age, self-reported sexual orientation, residence, household composition, educational status and perceived homonegativity all seem to impact on test seeking behaviour.

Conclusions: The results suggest the need for more targeted testing promotion strategies among MSM that take structural and environmental factors into consideration, as part of a comprehensive public health strategy to address the HIV epidemic.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • European Union
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*