HIV Testing and Associated Factors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Changsha, China.
Jing Zhou, Jia Chen, Lloyd Goldsamt and 3 others
PMID 29861317WHAT IT FOUND
Among 565 men who have sex with men in Changsha, 62.3% had been tested for HIV in the past year.
Knowing someone with HIV, older age at first sex, and recent STI diagnosis were associated with testing. These were associations, not proof of what works.
Key findings
01565 men who have sex with men were analysed, and 62.3% had been tested for HIV in the previous year.
02Knowing someone infected with HIV, older age at first sex, and at least one STI diagnosis were associated with past-year HIV testing.
03Unprotected anal intercourse was not significantly associated with HIV testing.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample came from a testing centre and was not representative of all men who have sex with men in Changsha. Only men willing to attend a testing centre could participate, so men less willing to test may be missing. HIV testing history and sexual behaviour were self-reported and not verified, with some 6-month recall. The cross-sectional design cannot show that any factor caused HIV testing. Not all survey instruments were empirically validated. Social stigma and social support were not measured. The data were collected in 2014 and may not reflect current conditions. Men already diagnosed with HIV were excluded, so the results do not apply to them.
Declared interests
The authors reported no real or perceived vested interests. The supplied publication types list research support from NIH extramural and non-U.S. government, but the article text does not specify the funder or any sponsor role.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the associated factors as proof that knowing someone with HIV or having an STI causes HIV testing. The study was cross-sectional and recruited men from a testing centre, so it cannot show cause.