title: Anticipated and actual reactions to receiving HIV positive results through self-testing among gay and bisexual men.
abstract: We explored anticipated and actual reactions to receiving HIV positive results through self-testing with a diverse group of 84 gay and bisexual men in New York City. Grounded Theory was used to investigate these reactions in a two-phase study, one hypothetical, followed by a practical phase in which self-tests were distributed and used. Three major themes emerged when participants were asked about their anticipated reactions to an HIV positive self-test result: managing emotional distress, obtaining HIV medical care, and postponing sexual activity. When participants were asked about their anticipated reactions to a partner's HIV positive self-test result, five themes emerged: provide emotional support; refrain from engaging in sex with casual partner; avoid high-risk sexual activity with both main and casual partners; seek medical services; and obtain a confirmatory test result. Although none of the participants tested positive, seven of their partners did. Participants provided emotional support and linked their partners to support services. The availability of HIV self-testing kits offers potential opportunities to tackle HIV infection among individuals with high-risk practices.
authors.affiliation: HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, 722 West 168th St., Room 316, New York, NY, 10032, USA, om2222@columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carballo-Diéguez
authors.forename: Mobolaji
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibitoye
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Frasca
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Iván
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Balan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality; D004644:Emotions; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012648:Self Care; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic