Effect of an express testing service for gay and bisexual men on HIV testing frequency in Sydney, Australia: a cohort study

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vickie Knight ◽  
Rebecca Guy ◽  
Anna McNulty ◽  
Handan Wand
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Testing Service ◽  
Testing Frequency ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sydney Australia

HIV testing self-efficacy is associated with higher HIV testing frequency and perceived likelihood to self-test among gay and bisexual men

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad S. Jamil ◽  
Rebecca J. Guy ◽  
Benjamin R. Bavinton ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley ◽  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
The Past ◽  
Testing Frequency ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
The Future ◽  
Self Test ◽  
And Bisexual

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.

scholarly journals Sustaining success: a qualitative study of gay and bisexual men’s experiences and perceptions of HIV self-testing in a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Rebecca J. Guy ◽  
Kirsty S. Smith ◽  
Muhammad S. Jamil ◽  
Garrett Prestage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Testing Frequency ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
The Future ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Background HIV self-testing was proved as an effective tool for increasing testing frequency in gay and bisexual men at high risk of infection. Questions remain about understanding why HIVST encouraged testing and how such success can be translated to programmatic implementation. Methods We conducted a qualitative investigation of how FORTH participants experienced and perceived HIVST. Stratified sampling was used to recruit gay and bisexual men participating in the FORTH HIVST intervention to take part in interviews, focusing on infrequent testers and those who had received inaccurate HIVST results. Results Our analysis identified several prominent themes organized into two overarching domains from the 15 interviews: (i) aspects of HIVST contributing to HIV testing frequency, and (ii) sustaining HIVST into the future. Participants also believed that their use of HIVST in the future would depend on the test kit’s reliability, particularly when compared with highly reliable clinic-based testing. Conclusion HIVST increases the frequency of HIV testing among gay and bisexual men due, in part, to the practical, psychological, and social benefits it offers. To capitalize fully on these benefits, however, strategies to ensure the availability of highly reliable HIVST are required to sustain benefits beyond the confines of a structured research study.

Rapid HIV testing increases testing frequency among gay and bisexual men: a controlled before–after study

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip Keen ◽  
Muhammad Jamil ◽  
Denton Callander ◽  
Damian P. Conway ◽  
Anna McNulty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Rapid Hiv Testing ◽  
Testing Frequency ◽  
And Bisexual

Prevalence and predictors of unsatisfactory anal cytology tests in a cohort of gay and bisexual men in Sydney, Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Templeton ◽  
Jennifer M. Roberts ◽  
I. Mary Poynten ◽  
Carmella Law ◽  
Richard J. Hillman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Anal Cytology ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sydney Australia
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