| dc.description.abstract | Background: In order to reduce the number of people unaware of their HIV diagnosis and to encourage regular testing, it is important to have testing facilities that fit the need of their users. A first step towards reaching optimal testing conditions is to investigate the needs, specifically among high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM). The needs of MSM for HIV testing, and why they prefer certain test facilities are largely unknown. In the present study, we aim to fill this void with a needs assessment.
Methods: This study was a web-based survey, published on several (gay) websites exploring testing behavior and testing needs. Needs were measured with 21 facility characteristics, stratified for MSM who never or ever tested, further divided in irregular tested or regular tested.
Results: A total of 179 MSM aged 16 to 70 years completed the survey of whom 13.4% never tested for HIV. Of the ever tested MSM 53.5% was irregular tested. Never tested and irregular tested MSM had significant lower test intentions than regular tested MSM. Never tested MSM have higher needs for testing in weekends, anonymity, privacy and choosing the type of test compared to ever tested MSM. Irregular testers have higher need for choosing the type of test and less need for 24/7 accessibility of the facility compared to regular testers. The STI clinics are the preferred test location amongst all MSM.
Conclusions: Testing facilities in the Netherlands work well, as the never tested group is small. However, there are some improvements that can help changing the consistency with which MSM test and further reduce the group of never and irregular testers, who have been at risk of acquiring HIV. | |
