Preferences of Gay and Bisexual Men for Pharmacy-Based HIV Testing and Over-the-Counter HIV Tests

Beth E Meyerson; Roberta E Emetu; Stephanie A Sanders; Marlon M Bailey; Priscilla T Ryder; James Armstrong

doi:10.1089/lgbt.2014.0010

Preferences of Gay and Bisexual Men for Pharmacy-Based HIV Testing and Over-the-Counter HIV Tests

LGBT Health. 2014 Sep;1(3):225-8. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2014.0010. Epub 2014 Jun 3.

Authors

Beth E Meyerson^{1

2}, Roberta E Emetu^{1

2}, Stephanie A Sanders³, Marlon M Bailey⁴, Priscilla T Ryder⁵, James Armstrong²

Affiliations

¹ 1 Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington , Bloomington, Indiana.
² 2 Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington , Bloomington, Indiana.
³ 3 The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington , Bloomington, Indiana.
⁴ 4 Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana.
⁵ 5 Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences , Indianapolis, Indiana.

PMID: 26789716
DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2014.0010

Abstract

A 2013 study among 169 Indiana men aged 18-45 who have sex with men assessed the acceptability of and preferences for pharmacy-based and over-the-counter (OTC) HIV testing. Rural men in general and men who did not know their HIV status were more likely to purchase an OTC HIV test. Men who did not know their HIV status also preferred an OTC HIV test to pharmacy-based testing. Pharmacies should enhance information around the sale of OTC HIV tests, particularly in rural areas. Information should include test results, opportunities for consultation, and linkage to care.

Keywords: HIV testing; pharmacy access; self-testing.