HIV testing self-efficacy is associated with higher HIV testing frequency and perceived likelihood to self-test among gay and bisexual men
Muhammad S. Jamil A H , Rebecca J. Guy A , Benjamin R. Bavinton A , Christopher K. Fairley B C , Andrew E. Grulich A , Martin Holt D , Kirsty S. Smith A , Marcus Chen B C , Anna M. McNulty E , Damian P. Conway A , Phillip Keen A , Jack Bradley A , Darren Russell F G , John M. Kaldor A , Garrett Prestage A and on behalf of the FORTH Investigator Group
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
B Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia.
C Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3800, Australia.
D Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Goodsell Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
E Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Nightingale Wing, Sydney Hospital, Macquarie street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
F Cairns Sexual Health Service, 381 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, Qld 4870, Australia.
G James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
H Corresponding author. Email: Mjamil@kirby.unsw.edu.au
Sexual Health 14(2) 170-178 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH16100
Submitted: 25 January 2016 Accepted: 5 October 2016 Published: 25 November 2016
Abstract
Background: Regular testing of individuals at higher-risk of HIV is central to current prevention strategies. The aim of the present study was to examine the extent to which confidence in one’s perceived ability to undertake various aspects of HIV testing and self-testing (self-efficacy) affected HIV testing outcomes. We assessed factors, including self-efficacy, associated with HIV testing frequency and the likelihood to self-test among gay and bisexual men (GBM). Methods: Participants were HIV-negative GBM at an increased risk of HIV (more than five partners or condomless anal intercourse in the previous 3 months) enrolled in a randomised controlled trial of HIV self-testing. The baseline questionnaire captured data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, HIV and/or sexually transmissible infection testing history, sexual behaviour, beliefs and attitudes towards HIV and eight items capturing confidence in HIV testing ability that were combined as a single broad measure of HIV testing self-efficacy (α = 0.81). Factors associated with three or more HIV tests in the past year and the likelihood of self-testing in the future were determined using logistic regression. Results: Of 354 GBM, 34% reported three or more HIV tests in the past year, and 64% reported being ‘very likely’ to self-test. Factors independently associated with three or more HIV tests in the past year were: higher self-efficacy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.08 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.14; P = 0.004); >10 male partners in the past 6 months (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.05–3.04; P = 0.031) and higher optimism regarding the effects of HIV treatments on HIV transmission (aOR 1.14; 95% CI 1.00–1.29; P = 0.044). Only higher self-efficacy was independently associated with reporting a greater likelihood to self-test in the future (aOR 1.10; 95% CI 1.05–1.15; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Improving self-efficacy by enhancing GBM’s knowledge and experience may lead to higher testing frequency. The self-efficacy measure used in the present study could be useful in identifying GBM likely to face difficulties with HIV testing and self-testing.
Additional keywords: home test, men who have sex with men (MSM).
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