Factors Associated With HIV Testing Among MSM in Guilin, China: Results From a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore factors affecting the HIV testing behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guilin, China from April to June of 2021. Questionnaire data of 300 MSM were analyzed, and binary logistic regression models were used to examine the socio-demographic and sexual behavior characteristics associated with three HIV testing behaviors (self-testing, institutional testing, and regular testing).Results: The results showed that half of the respondents had the habit of regular HIV testing. Only 30.0% of MSM chose to do HIV testing after high-risk sexual behavior, and self-perceived luck was the main reason for not having HIV testing. Moreover, the influencing factors of three HIV testing behaviors after high-risk sexual behavior differ. Interestingly, income was not related to any of the three HIV testing behaviors among those MSM who participated.Conclusion: This research indicates insufficient health education on HIV testing behaviors among MSM in China. Health promotion practices targeting the MSM population to improve HIV-related knowledge, thus contributing to the HIV epidemic, are required.