Factors Associated with Low Levels of HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Brazil

PLoS One. 2015 Jun 22;10(6):e0130445. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130445. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess risk factors associated with low levels of HIV testing among MSM recruited through respondent driven sampling (RDS) in Brazil. Of 3,617 participants, 48.4% had never tested previously for HIV. A logistic model indicated that younger age, lower socioeconomic class, education, poor HIV/AIDS knowledge, no history of cruising, and having been tested during the study were characteristics independently associated with low levels of previous HIV testing. The HIV testing rate among MSM in Brazil is still low in spite of the availability of a large number services providing universal and free access to HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment. To respond to low utilization, the authors propose a higher priority for testing for key populations such as MSM, expanded education, expanding testing sites and a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment in health services.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / statistics & numerical data*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Grants and funding

The research was funded by the National STD/AIDS and Hepatitis Department of the Ministry of Health, Brazil (Grant number: CSV 234/07). The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) provided additional funding for Manaus to extend data collection.