title: Which Psychological Factors are Related to HIV Testing? A Quantitative Systematic Review of Global Studies.
abstract: Deciding to test for HIV is necessary for receiving HIV treatment and care among those who are HIV-positive. This article presents a systematic review of quantitative studies on relationships between psychological (cognitive and affective) variables and HIV testing. Sixty two studies were included (fifty six cross sectional). Most measured lifetime testing. HIV knowledge, risk perception and stigma were the most commonly measured psychological variables. Meta-analysis was carried out on the relationships between HIV knowledge and testing, and HIV risk perception and testing. Both relationships were positive and significant, representing small effects (HIV knowledge, d = 0.22, 95 % CI 0.14-0.31, p < 0.001; HIV risk perception, OR 1.47, 95 % CI 1.26-1.67, p < 0.001). Other variables with a majority of studies showing a relationship with HIV testing included: perceived testing benefits, testing fear, perceived behavioural control/self-efficacy, knowledge of testing sites, prejudiced attitudes towards people living with HIV, and knowing someone with HIV. Research and practice implications are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK. michael.evangeli@rhul.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Evangeli
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pady
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
authors.forename: Abigail L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Wroe
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005239:Fear; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010465:Perception; D011287:Prejudice; D057545:Social Stigma
keywords: HIV; Psychological; Psychosocial; Systematic review; Testing