Factors associated with HIV-testing history among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Los Angeles County.
Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are disproportionately affected with HIV, and nearly half are unaware of their status. Those unaware of their status are more likely to engage in risky behavior; thus, HIV-testing uptake is crucial. This study explored correlates of past-two-year HIV-testing history. BMSM (n = 102) completed self-administered questionnaires. Fisher exact test indicated that BMSM at clubs/bars and Gay Pride events had higher rates of being tested within the past two years (86%-65%) than did participants who responded to online advertisements (44%, p < .001). Among those untested for HIV, slightly half reported receptive anal sex without a condom (48%, p = .033), used the Internet seeking sex (54%, p < .001), low HIV knowledge (52%, p = .005), and less education. Literacy and tailored online interventions might be worth considering to increase HIV-testing uptake.
California State University, Long Beach, School of Social Work, 1250 Bellflower, SPPA 132, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA. alex.washington@csulb.edu
Thomas Alex
TA
Washington
Gabriel
G
Robles
Kevin
K
Malotte
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires