High levels of acceptability of couples-based HIV testing among MSM in South Africa.
The acceptability of couples-based voluntary HIV counseling and testing (CVCT) has not been previously investigated among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa. Using online advertisements, data were collected from 486 MSM, who were 18 years of age or older with a current residence in South Africa and had at least one male sex partner in the previous 12 months. The analysis examined associations between individual characteristics and willingness to utilize CVCT services. The willingness to utilize CVCT services was compellingly high (89%) among this sample of mostly White/European African (89%) and HIV-negative (83%) men. MSM who reported higher numbers of completed school years were less likely to report willingness to use CVCT. Willingness did not vary significantly across other individual demographic or behavioral characteristics. Our results show an overwhelmingly high acceptance of CVCT services. Future studies should survey a more heterogeneous population of MSM, explore the complex nature of same-sex male relationships, and why respondents would or would not use these HIV testing services.
Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. rbsteph@sph.emory.edu
Rob
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Stephenson
Christopher
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Rentsch
Patrick
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Sullivan
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003710:Demography; D003954:Diagnostic Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012731:Sex Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology