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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is an important global prevention strategy but underutilized by local men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigated the prevalence of behavioral intention to take up HIV testing (specific or any type), in the next six months among MSM who had not been tested for HIV in the last three years (never-testers) in Hong Kong. The data was based on 141 never-testers of 430 MSM who completed the anonymous baseline telephone survey of an ongoing randomized controlled trial from January 2015 to August 2015. Only 17.7% of them showed strong intention to take up any type of HIV testing in the next six months. Adjusted analysis showed that perceived benefit of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.66), perceived psychological barriers of HIV testing (AOR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.73, 1.00), and perceived self-efficacy in taking up HIV testing (AOR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.52) were significantly associated with behavioral intention to take up any HIV testing. Perceived cue to action from non-governmental organization staff was positively associated with a marginalp-value of 0.077 (AOR: 2.37, 95%CI: 0.97, 5.77). It is warranted to strengthen perceived benefit, remove psychological barriers, and increase perceived self-efficacy related to HIV testing. Innovative and effective health promotions are greatly needed to increase HIV testing coverage among never-testers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a useful means to increase coverage of HIV testing but under-utilized by male clients of female sex workers (MCFSW) in China. This study investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with behavioral intention to take up HIVST in the next year among MCFSW in Hong Kong, China. We recruited Chinse-speaking adult men who had patronized at least one female sex worker in the past six months. A total of 303 MCFSW completed a self-administered questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression models were fit. Only 23.8% of participants indicated that they probably/definitely would take up HIVST in the next year. The multivariable ordinal logistic regression model showed that positive attitudes towards HIVST (adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 1.24, 95%CI: 1.13, 1.37), perceived HIVST uptake is completely under one's control (perceived behavioral control) (aOR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.92), and perceived higher risk of HIV infection (aOR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.76) were associated with higher intention to take up HIVST in the next year. The prevalence of behavioral intention to use HIVST was low among MCFSW in Hong Kong. Perceptions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and perceived risk of HIV infection were associated with behavioral intention to use HIVST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence has suggested that seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM) do not only face biased treatment from the general public but also from members of the MSM community. We conceptualized such biases perpetuated within the MSM community as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in-group stigma. This study examined the pathways by which perceived HIV in-group stigma impacted the mental health of seropositive MSM in Hong Kong. Internalized HIV stigma, serostatus disclosure concerns, and negative reactions towards HIV stigma were hypothesized as intermediate factors. Based on 100 Chinese seropositive MSM who were on antiretroviral therapy, results of a path analysis partially supported our hypotheses. Only negative reactions towards HIV stigma within the MSM community was a significant intermediate factor. The findings highlight the importance of understanding seropositive MSM’s different reactions to HIV stigma perpetuated within the MSM community. On top of stigma reduction research, further research may explore ways that help seropositive MSM cope with HIV in-group stigma and foster resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

HIV is a serious health threat among men who have sex with men (MSM). A 2-month pilot network-based peer intervention was conducted among Chinese MSM in Hong Kong. Eight MSM peer educators were randomized into the Intervention or the Control Groups and recruited 36 and 33 peers to join the program, respectively. The educators of the Intervention Group delivered standardized and theory-based preventive messages to their peers via daily social interactions. The Control Group received education materials. Baseline between-group differences were non-significant. At post-intervention, intervened participants were more likely than controlled participants to intend to use condoms consistently during anal sex with men in the next 6 months [94.4% versus 60.6%; Relative Risk (RR): 1.56 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.17, 2.08)] and to perceive behavioral control over taking up voluntary HIV testing and counseling [97.2% versus 72.7%; RR: 1.34 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.66)]. Large scale randomized trials are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]