Experiences and correlates of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in Jiangsu province, China

AIDS Behav. 2015 Mar;19(3):485-91. doi: 10.1007/s10461-014-0968-8.

Abstract

Substantial numbers of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) do not access facility-based HIV testing. Self-testing could promote testing uptake among this population. We describe experiences and identify correlates of self-testing among Chinese MSM. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among MSM in Jiangsu from November 2013 to January 2014. Participants were recruited through time-location sampling and from online. Participants were asked a series of questions about HIV self-testing uptake and associated experiences. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of having ever self-tested for HIV. Of 522 participants, 26.2 % had ever self-tested. Finger stick was the most common self-testing modality (86.1 %). A majority of participants reported that it was "very easy" (43.1 %) or "somewhat easy" (34.3 %) to perform self-testing while lower proportions reported "very confident" (24.1 %) or "somewhat confident" (36.5 %) in the accuracy of their test results. Having ever self-tested was significantly associated with having had 2-5 and 6 or more male anal sex partners in the past 6 months (AOR 2.12, 95 % CI 1.00, 4.49; AOR 4.95, 95 % CI 1.90, 12.87), having ever tested for HIV (AOR 4.56, 95 % CI 1.66, 12.55), and having a friend or friends who self-tested (AOR 7.32, 95 % CI 3.57, 15.00). HIV self-testing can reach untested Chinese MSM and/or increase testing frequency. Peer- or social network-based interventions could futher help encourage self-testing. Monitoring systems should be strengthened to ensure the quality of self-testing kits and provision of essential support services, including post-test counseling and linkage-to-care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / methods
  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / statistics & numerical data*
  • Adult
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Directive Counseling
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Self Care / psychology
  • Self Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires