title: HIV and STI Testing and Related Factors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Estonia.
abstract: HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Estonia are low. We collected data from 265 MSM in a national, online survey. Lifetime HIV testing was related to risky sexual behaviors and contacts with health care services, while lifetime STI testing was related only to contacts with health care services. In addition, some personal values were significant predictors of testing. For example, high achievement (personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards) had a negative impact on lifetime HIV testing, and high interpersonal conformity (avoiding upsetting others) had a negative impact on lifetime STI testing. The results demonstrate the need to develop gay-friendly health services and to recognize the role of personal values and individual differences in values when designing attractive interventions to increase HIV/STI testing rates among MSM.
authors: Infectious Diseases and Drug Monitoring Department, National Institute for Health Development, 42 Hiiu St, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia. kristi.ruutel@tai.ee.
authors: Kristi
authors: K
authors: Rüütel
authors: School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
authors: R David
authors: RD
authors: Parker
authors: Infectious Diseases and Drug Monitoring Department, National Institute for Health Development, 42 Hiiu St, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia.
authors: Liilia
authors: L
authors: Lõhmus
authors: Infectious Diseases and Drug Monitoring Department, National Institute for Health Development, 42 Hiiu St, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia.
authors: Anti
authors: A
authors: Valk
authors: Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
authors: Toivo
authors: T
authors: Aavik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004957:Estonia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: HIV; Men who have sex with men; Personal values; STI; Testing