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Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are amongst populations at-risk for HIV acquisition in Thailand. In youth MSM (aged 15–24 years), the incidence of HIV infection has substantially increased. However, data on HIV risk, risk perception and HIV testing and counseling (HTC) uptake among youth MSM in hotspots are limited. Methods A subanalysis of a prospective study among Thai MSM attending a gay sauna was conducted. HIV risk and risk perception were assessed by an anonymous survey. The MSM were categorized as having actual “low-risk”, “moderate-risk” and “high-risk” for HIV acquisition based on the validated study risk categorization tool. HTC was provided on-site with result notification within 1 h. HIV care establishment appointment was arranged by the counselors for HIV-infected participants. Care engagement within 1 year of diagnosis was subsequently assessed. Results There were 358 MSM participants; 87 (24%) were youth MSM. Comparing to other MSM, youth MSM had significantly higher median number of lifetime sexual partners [2 (IQR 1–9) vs. 1 (IQR 0–1); P

Abstract Background HIV testing and counseling (HTC) with linkage to care after known infection are key components for HIV transmission prevention. This study was conducted to assess HTC uptake, HIV risk perception and linkage to care among Thai university students. Methods An outreach HTC program was conducted in a large public university in Thailand from January 2013 to December 2014. The program consisted of brief HIV knowledge assessment, free HTC, HIV risk assessment and education provided by the healthcare personnel. Students were categorized into low, moderate and high-risk groups according to the pre-defined HIV risk characteristics. Results One-thousand-eight-hundred-one students participated in the program, 494 (27 %) underwent HTC. Independent characteristics associated with no HTC uptake included female sex (P

Background: HIV testing and counseling (HTC) with linkage to care after known infection are key components for HIV transmission prevention. This study was conducted to assess HTC uptake, HIV risk perception and linkage to care among Thai university students.Methods: An outreach HTC program was conducted in a large public university in Thailand from January 2013 to December 2014. The program consisted of brief HIV knowledge assessment, free HTC, HIV risk assessment and education provided by the healthcare personnel. Students were categorized into low, moderate and high-risk groups according to the pre-defined HIV risk characteristics.Results: One-thousand-eight-hundred-one students participated in the program, 494 (27 %) underwent HTC. Independent characteristics associated with no HTC uptake included female sex (P < 0.001), lower HIV knowledge score (P < 0.001), younger age (P < 0.001) and students from non-health science faculties (P = 0.02). Among the 494 students undergoing HTC, 141 (29 %) were categorized into moderate or high-risk group, of whom 45/141 (32 %) had false perception of low HIV risk. Being heterosexual was independently associated with false perception of low HIV risk (P = 0.04). The rate of new HIV infection diagnosis was 4/494 (0.8 %). Of these 4 HIV-infected students, 3 (75 %) were men who have sex with men and only 2 of the 4 students (50 %) showed up for HIV continuity care.Conclusions: An outreach HIV prevention program with HTC was feasible and beneficial in detecting HIV risk and infection among the university students. However, interventions to improve HTC uptake, HIV risk perception and linkage to care are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, two levels of services are defined to manage HIV/AIDS epidemic, comprising HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services. In this letter our emphasis is on HTC services in line with achieving the first goal of 90-90-90 UNAIDS’ program which is 90% of all infected people with HIV should know their status. Iran developed a comprehensive harm reduction program through establishing Voluntary Counseling and Testing services (VCT) within “triangular clinics.” As a result, it witnessed an increase in access to HTC both for injection drug users (IDUs) and individuals with sexual transmission risks. However, Iran has been facing two major obstacles including a remarkable gap between the estimated (75,700) and identified (28,663) number of HIV-infected individuals and a change in HIV transmission route from the second to the third wave that is sexual contact. To combat these weaknesses three strategies should be considered: (a) integrating HTC programs to primary care package, (b) training and motivating healthcare providers in pre and post-test counseling, and (c) attracting participation of private sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial numbers of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) do not access facility-based HIV testing. Self-testing could promote testing uptake among this population. We describe experiences and identify correlates of self-testing among Chinese MSM. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among MSM in Jiangsu from November 2013 to January 2014. Participants were recruited through time-location sampling and from online. Participants were asked a series of questions about HIV self-testing uptake and associated experiences. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of having ever self-tested for HIV. Of 522 participants, 26.2 % had ever self-tested. Finger stick was the most common self-testing modality (86.1 %). A majority of participants reported that it was 'very easy' (43.1 %) or 'somewhat easy' (34.3 %) to perform self-testing while lower proportions reported 'very confident' (24.1 %) or 'somewhat confident' (36.5 %) in the accuracy of their test results. Having ever self-tested was significantly associated with having had 2-5 and 6 or more male anal sex partners in the past 6 months (AOR 2.12, 95 % CI 1.00, 4.49; AOR 4.95, 95 % CI 1.90, 12.87), having ever tested for HIV (AOR 4.56, 95 % CI 1.66, 12.55), and having a friend or friends who self-tested (AOR 7.32, 95 % CI 3.57, 15.00). HIV self-testing can reach untested Chinese MSM and/or increase testing frequency. Peer- or social network-based interventions could futher help encourage self-testing. Monitoring systems should be strengthened to ensure the quality of self-testing kits and provision of essential support services, including post-test counseling and linkage-to-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the documented incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS in South Korea are relatively low in comparison with other counties, rates are steadily rising. It is believed that many cases have not been diagnosed because of the extreme stigma associated with HIV/AIDS in South Korea that serves as a barrier to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). Little is currently known about individuals who present for counseling and testing. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of individuals who sought VCT at the Korean Alliance to Defeat AIDS (KADA). Data were collected from 264 individuals who presented for VCT between October 1 and December 30, 2005, using self-administered questionnaires. More men than women (218 and 46, respectively) participated in this study. A large majority (85.3%) reported never using condoms and/or inconsistent condom use. The major reasons given for seeking HIV testing were unprotected sexual intercourse with commercial sex workers, premarital sex, and extramarital sex. Although none of the participants were HIV-positive, most were engaged in high risk sexual behaviors. Additionally, participants sought HIV testing at KADA because the results were rapidly available and their anonymity was ensured. The results suggest the need for interventions focused on safer sex practices and the importance of rapid HIV testing and assurance of anonymity to those in need of testing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Provider-initiated testing and counseling (PITC) is a routine HIV testing and counseling, it encompases two strategies including; diagnostic HIV testing and HIV screening. In Tanzania PITC started in 2007, to date it is almost through out the country. This study aimed at assessing the perceived barriers and attitudes of health care providers towards PITC services., Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for one month between April and May, 2010 in the goverment health care facilities of the Mbeya City Council. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select both health facilities and health care providers., Results: A total of 402 (95%) subjects were interviewed. Their mean (±SD) age was 41±9.5 years, where majority (65%) were females. All the participants reported to be aware about PITC services. However, about 35% of them had negative attitude towards PITC services. Various perceived barriers to effective PITC provision were reported, including; too many patients (57.7%) and inadequate space (46%) for PITC provision., Conclusion: Although PITC is an effective strategy for identification of unrecognized HIV infections, there is still missed opportunity which occurs at the health facilities, as some of health care providers had negative attitude and others faces various barriers in offering the PITC service.