Reasons for not taking an HIV-test among untested men who have sex with men: an Internet study

AIDS Behav. 2006 Jul;10(4):431-5. doi: 10.1007/s10461-006-9068-8.

Abstract

The present paper focuses on reasons for not taking an HIV-test among untested men who have sex with men (MSM). From an MSM web-based survey, 1627 MSM who had never tested for HIV were selected for the reported analyses. Results show that fear of a positive test result and the perceived consequences thereof, are reported as the most important reasons for not taking an HIV-test among at-risk respondents. The most important reasons for not taking an HIV-test among no-risk respondents are related to perception of low risk for HIV-infection. Implications for future interventions to promote HIV-testing are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Volition*