Factors associated with HIV-testing history among black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Los Angeles County

Thomas Alex Washington, Gabriel Robles, Kevin Malotte

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)52-59
Number of pages8
JournalBehavioral Medicine
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2013
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Keywords

  • HIV testing
  • HIV/AIDS
  • MSM
  • risk factors

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