Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Jan 30, 2024
Date Accepted: May 5, 2024
No
ABSTRACT
Background:
Men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a significant population of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In recent years, several efforts have been made to promote HIV testing among MSM in China.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess HIV testing coverage and factors associated with first-time HIV testing among MSM to provide a scientific basis for achieving the goal of diagnosing 95% of patients infected with HIV by 2030.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and December 2023. MSM was recruited from the “Sunshine Test,” an internet platform that utilizes location-based services to offer free HIV testing services to MSM in Zhejiang Province, China. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire on their demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, substance use, and HIV testing history. A logistic regression model was used for the first time to analyze HIV testing and its associated factors.
Results:
A total of 7,629 MSM participated in the study, with 87.1% (6,647) having undergone HIV testing prior and 12.9% (982) undergoing HIV testing for the first-time. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that first-time HIV testing was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91–3.42), lower education (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.03–1.88), student status (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04–1.75), low-income (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16–2.08), sex role (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05–1.56), bisexuality (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.40–2.03), fewer sex partners (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13–1.83), use of rush poppers (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.70–2.49), unknown HIV status of sex partners (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.17–1.69), lack of awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.03–1.88) and offline HIV testing uptake (aOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.80–2.41).
Conclusions:
A notable 12.9% of MSM had never undergone HIV testing before this large internet survey. We recommend enhancing HIV intervention and testing through online platforms and gay apps to promote testing among MSM and achieve the target of diagnosing 95% of patients infected with HIV by 2030. Clinical Trial: No
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