Repeat HIV testing among HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men attending Silom Community Clinic, Bangkok, 2011 - 2014

Int J STD AIDS. 2018 Dec;29(14):1417-1423. doi: 10.1177/0956462418788724. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Abstract

Since 2010, the Thailand Ministry of Public Health has recommended that men who have sex with men (MSM) have an HIV test at least two times a year. We calculated the proportion of, and factors associated with, testing adherence among the HIV-uninfected MSM clients attending Silom Community Clinic @TropMed. We defined testing adherence as repeating at least one HIV test within six months of an initial HIV-negative test, and used log-binomial regression to test for associated factors. We included 1927 clients during 2011–2014; 362 (19%) were adherent with an increased trend (p < 0.01), from 16% to 24%. Clients aged 18–24 years and those having a history of HIV testing were more likely to adhere (aRR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6; and aRR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5, respectively). One-fifth adhered to the recommendation; older clients or naïve testees were less likely to adhere. We need to impress on clients the importance of repeat HIV testing.

Keywords: Asia; homosexual; human immunodeficiency virus; location; prevention; viral disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Thailand / epidemiology
  • Young Adult