HIV Testing and Preventive Services Accessibility Among Men Who Have Sex With Men at High Risk of HIV Infection in Beijing,China

The HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been increasing at an alarming rate in most areas of China in recent years. Many Chinese MSM still lack sufficient access to HIV prevention services, despite ongoing scale-up of comprehensive HIV testing and intervention services. The purpose of this study was to investigate utilization of HIV testing and prevention services, and related factors that influence the MSM people to access HIV test or other services to prevent HIV among MSM in Beijing, China.Three successive cross-sectional surveys of MSM were conducted in Beijing from September 2009 to January 2010, September 2010 to January 2011, and September 2011 to January 2012. Demographic and behavioral data were collected and analyzed. Blood samples were tested for HIV and syphilis. Three models were established to analyze factors associated with HIV testing and preventive services.Of the 1312 participants, prevalence of HIV and syphilis was 7.9% and 15.4%, respectively. Sixty-nine percent ever had an HIV test, 56.2%, 78.7%, and 46.1% received HIV test, free condom/lubricants, and sexually transmitted infection services in the past 12 months (P12M), respectively. MSM with larger social networks and who knew someone infected with HIV were more likely to receive HIV testing and preventive services; lower degrees of stigma and discriminatory attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were positively associated with having an HIV test, whereas unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months (P6M) was associated with less preventive services participation. The most reported barriers to HIV testing were fear of testing HIV positive (79.3%) and perceiving no risk for HIV (75.4%). Almost all participants felt that ensuring confidentiality would encourage more MSM to have an HIV test. The two main reasons for not seeking HIV test was not knowing where to go for a test (63.2%) and perceiving low risk of HIV infection (55.1%).Given a high prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and risky behaviors and a relatively low HIV testing rate among MSM in Beijing, more efforts are urgently needed to address barriers to HIV testing and improve accessibility of prevention services.     

Investigating the relationship between HIV testing and risk behaviour in Britain: National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles 2000

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with, HIV testing in Britain. DESIGN: A large, stratified probability sample survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles. METHODS: A total of 12,110 16-44 year olds completed a computer-assisted face-to-face interview and self-interview. Self-reports of HIV testing, i.e. the timing, reasons for and location of testing, were included. RESULTS: A total of 32.4% of men and 31.7% of women reported ever having had an HIV test, the majority of whom were tested through blood donation. When screening for blood donation and pregnancy were excluded, 9.0% of men and 4.6% of women had had a voluntary confidential HIV test (VCT) in the past 5 years. However, one third of injecting drug users and men who have sex with men had a VCT in the past 5 years. VCT in the past 5 years was significantly associated with age, residence, ethnicity, self-perceived HIV risk, reporting greater numbers of sexual partners, new sexual partners from abroad, previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, and injecting non-prescribed drugs for men and women, and same-sex partners (men only). Whereas sexually transmitted disease clinics were important sites for VCT, general practice accounted for almost a quarter of VCT. CONCLUSION: HIV testing is relatively common in Britain; however, it remains largely associated with population-based blood donation and antenatal screening programmes. In contrast, VCT remains highly associated with high-risk (sexual or drug-injecting) behaviours or population sub-groups at high risk. Strategies to reduce undiagnosed prevalent HIV infection will require further normalization and wider uptake of HIV testing.     

HIV incidence and risk behaviours after voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) among adults aged 19-35 years living in peri-urban communities around Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand, 1999

The Thai government began HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in all provinces in 1992. We evaluated HIV incidence after participants utilized VCT and its effect on risk behaviours among northern Thai adults aged 19-35 years. A total of 924 men and 1,327 women volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects were counseled, interviewed (socio-demographic, HIV risk behaviour, and HIV testing history), and tested for HIV infection at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. All participants were provided group pre-test counselling; HIV test results were provided in individual confidential post-test counselling. Overall, 329 of 391 men and 621 of 669 women who reported a prior HIV test before participating in our study reported negative results at the previous test. Of these, nine men and 13 women tested positive at baseline, giving incidence rates of 1.04 and 0.69 per 100 person years (PY), respectively. Recent risk behaviour was rare; as a result, the effects of VCT on risk behaviours among the study participants could not be determined. The HIV incidence after VCT among this study population is substantial. Studies to investigate factors associated with HIV incidence among VCT clients could provide insights for more effective HIV prevention.     

Predictors of voluntary HIV counselling and testing services utilization among people with disabilities in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

The study investigated HIV testing prevalence and factors associated with the utilization of voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) services among individuals with disabilities in Addis Ababa. The analysis was based on a survey of 209 men and 203 women with disabilities, aged 15–49, who had ever heard about HIV and AIDS in four sub-cities in Addis Ababa. HIV testing prevalence was 53.2%, with no significant difference between males and females. Comprehensive HIV knowledge, living with spouse, and religious affiliations positively predicted utilization of VCT services among participants. Living with both parents and having physical or mental/intellectual disabilities were negative predictors of VCT services utilization. More research on the predictors of utilization of VCT services by gender and urban/rural divides are needed among people with disabilities.     

AIDS communications through social networks: catalyst for behaviour changes in Uganda

Objective: To investigate distinctive communications through social networks which may be associated with population behaviour changes and HIV prevalence declines in Uganda compared to other countries.

Methods: We undertook a comparative analysis of demographic and HIV behavioural data collected in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS III) in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours (KABP) surveys in Uganda in 1989 and 1995. AIDS behaviours, social communications and channels for communication about AIDS and people with AIDS were analysed by age, sex and country. Modelling was developed to investigate at what stage of the epidemic a majority of people will know someone with AIDS, given differing communication patterns through social networks. Finally AIDS reporting and Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) trends were analysed to assess if the impact of social communications worked through clinical services and interventions or more directly at the population level in community contexts.

Results: Uganda showed unique patterns of communications through social networks including a shift from mass and institutional to personal channels for communicating about AIDS, 1989–1995. This was associated with higher levels of knowing someone with AIDS through social networks and, in turn, positive risk ratios for behaviour change including reducing casual sex and condom use. Youth had distinctively high levels of knowing someone with AIDS in Uganda, suggesting widespread community communication across age groups. Patterns of disclosure, AIDS diagnosis and reporting were influential on social communications about AIDS. Over 90%, 45% or under 20% of people know someone with AIDS at peak HIV incidence and high AIDS mortality, depending on whether communications through social networks are extensive or restricted.

Conclusion: There are distinctive patterns for communicating through social networks about AIDS and people with AIDS in Uganda. They appear to work directly at population level rather than in response to clinical interventions and testing and may be important in the uptake of the latter services. This communication response provides an important basis for HIV prevention if it is to be scaled to the population level. Vertical prevention (and even treatment) interventions need to engage more closely with local, horizontal communication and behavioural responses to AIDS. Communication programmes have to take root at the level of social networks working though local networks of meetings, chiefs, churches and health personnel as well as the media. Mobilising basic social communications may be a necessary resource (as much as services and finance) to scale HIV prevention and treatment to the population level.     

岱山县2010-2012年艾滋病VCT结果分析

目的了解岱山县接受艾滋病自愿咨询检测（VCT）服务人群的特征和艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染状况,为更有针对性地开展VCT工作提供科学依据。方法收集2010-2012年岱山县艾滋病自愿咨询点,接受VCT服务的人群资料并进行分析。结果共有1032人接受咨询检测服务,男女性别比为2.42∶1,以21~40岁青壮年占86.72%（895人）;求询者类型以非婚异性性行为占67.44%（696人）。接受HIV检测1032人,检出阳性5例,检出阳性率0.48%。配偶/固定性伴阳性者的阳性率最高为7.14%,其次有男男性行为史者为1.45%,有非婚异性性行为史者为0.43%。结论 VCT是发现HIV感染者的有效途径,开展干预的重要窗口,应针对不同人群进一步规范VCT服务,预防和减少艾滋病在社会上的传播。     

江西省艾滋病自愿咨询检测现状分析

目的更好地做好江西省艾滋病防治工作。方法采用描述性方法分析江西省艾滋病自愿咨询检测(VCT)现状。结果从事艾滋病咨询工作的专职人员较少。接受检测后咨询及转介服务人数占检测前咨询人数的比例分别为5.22%、1.39%。接受检测的人以20~29岁人数最多,其次30~39岁。萍乡、南昌市检测初筛阳性构成比较高,分别为39.13%、26.09%。结论建立健全VCT服务网络,提高咨询服务质量。广泛开展对目标人群的VCT服务宣传和外展活动,有效开展VCT服务,遏制艾滋病的传播。     

The influence of knowing someone with HIV/AIDS on preventive behaviors in Italy

The influence of knowing someone with HIV/AIDS on HIV preventive behaviors has become increasingly relevant in the literature, with controversial findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowing someone with HIV/AIDS and preventive behaviors in a representative sample of the Italian adult population. Drawing on two sociocognitive models, perceived threat and HIV/AIDS knowledge were proposed as mediators of this relationship. Results from 1969 telephone interviews were analyzed. Questions included sociodemographic information, knowing someone with HIV/AIDS, past sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge, HIV/AIDS perceived threat (susceptibility and severity), and preventive behaviors (HIV testing and condom use). The results of mediation models showed that knowing someone with HIV/AIDS had an indirect effect on condom use through HIV-perceived susceptibility. Knowing someone with HIV/AIDS showed a direct and an indirect effect through HIV/AIDS knowledge on HIV testing.     

贵阳市908名艾滋病自愿咨询检测者的情况分析

目的分析贵阳市908名艾滋病自愿咨询检测(VCT)者的相关情况、艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染情况、VCT求询者抑郁状况,为艾滋病预防和干预提供科学依据。方法对贵阳市疾病预防控制中心VCT门诊2010-2012年908名VCT求询者的基本信息及HIV感染率进行分析,运用抑郁自评量表(SDS)对2012年237名VCT求询者进行调查,了解其心理抑郁状况。结果 908名VCT求询者中,HIV感染者160人,感染率17.62%;性接触为主要传播途径。男女比例为3.2∶1,青壮年是接受VCT的主体人群,文化程度低的人群感染率较高。HIV感染率较高的求询者分别是有注射吸毒史者(36.84%)、配偶/固定性伴阳性史者(33.77%)和男男性行为人群(MSM)(26.84%)。237名求询者中,有67.51%的人有抑郁症状,女性和文化程度低的人群抑郁症状较明显。结论 VCT门诊在发现HIV感染者、宣传和干预中起到重要作用。应加强对有注射吸毒史、男男性行为史和配偶/固定性伴阳性史者的干预。可在VCT服务中开展心理咨询及疏导。     

Utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

This analysis uses data from a population-based household survey and a government clinic survey in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to examine attitudes towards voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services, patterns of utilization of VCT services and the relationships between HIV/AIDS-related stigma, VCT service availability and quality and the use of VCT. The household survey data are linked with clinic-level data to assess the impact of expanded VCT services and access to rapid testing on the likelihood of being tested in rural areas and on HIV/AIDS stigma. Our analysis finds that while overall use of VCT services is low, utilization of VCT services is positively associated with age, education, socioeconomic status, proximity to clinics, availability of rapid testing and outreach services and lower levels of HIV/AIDS stigma. Importantly, the effects of stigma appear considerably stronger for females, while men are more heavily influenced by the characteristics of the VCT services themselves.     

Characteristics of Individuals and Couples Seeking HIV-1 Prevention Services in Nairobi, Kenya: The Voluntary HIV-1 Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study

This paper describes the recruitment and baseline characteristics of men, women, and couples who enrolled in the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study at the study site in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (HIV VCT) to reduce sexual risk behavior. Between June 1995 and March 1996, 500 individual men, 500 individual women, and 515 couple members were recruited for a total sample of 1,515 participants. Participants were young (average age 29 years) and of low income. High levels of risk behavior and self-reported STD symptoms and a high rate of HIV seropositivity among those tested at baseline (15% of men and 27% of women) indicate that an at-risk sample was recruited. Women and participants reporting symptoms of a sexually transmitted infected were significantly more likely to be infected with HIV. Findings suggest that HIV VCT services combined with STD diagnosis and treatment and economic development services could motivate more at-risk individuals and couples to receive counseling and testing.     

北京市朝阳区艾滋病自愿咨询检测情况分析

目的调查北京市朝阳区艾滋病自愿咨询检测（VCT）人群的社会人口学特征和艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染状况,有针对性地制定朝阳区艾滋病健康教育和高危干预措施。方法对2007年6月-2008年9月,朝阳区疾病预防控制中心艾滋病VCT门诊求询者的调查结果进行分析。结果868名求询者接受咨询和血清HIV抗体检测,以20～40岁男性青壮年为主,占89.9%;男女比例7.19∶1;未婚占68.9%。求询原因以发生危险性行为为主,占86.3%。HIV抗体阳性41例,感染率为4.7%,以性途径感染为主（75.6%）,22人通过同性性行为感染。结论朝阳区艾滋病的传播以性途径为主,求询者以年轻、未婚和高学历男性为主,HIV感染在男男性行为人群（MSM）中检出率较高。因此,应对男性青壮年、MSM人群进行广泛的艾滋病健康教育,加强针对MSM人群的行为干预措施。     

Factors Associated with Low Early Uptake of a National Program to Prevent Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT): Results of a Survey of Mothers and Providers, Botswana, 2003

In Francistown, Botswana, approximately 40% of pregnant women are HIV positive. PMTCT has been available since 1999, antiretroviral (ARV) therapy since 2001, and 95% of women have antenatal care (ANC) and deliver in hospital. However, in 2002, only 33% of ANC clients were tested for HIV, and not all women with HIV received services. In 2003, we conducted a survey of 504 pregnant and postpartum women to explore reasons for poor program uptake, and interviewed 82 health providers about PMTCT. Most women (95%) believed that all pregnant women should be tested for HIV. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with having an HIV test included being interviewed at an urban site, having a high PMTCT knowledge score, knowing someone receiving PMTCT or ARV therapy, and having a partner who had been tested for HIV. Neither fear of stigma nor resistance from partners were frequent reasons for refusing an HIV test. Providers of HIV services reported discomfort with their knowledge and skills, and 84% believed HIV testing should be routine. Ensuring adequate knowledge about HIV and PMTCT, creating systems whereby HIV-positive women receiving care can educate and support other women, and making HIV testing routine for pregnant women may improve the uptake of HIV testing.     

HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, perceived benefits, and risks of HIV testing among pregnant women in rural Southern India

The rising prevalence of HIV among pregnant women in rural India is of great concern. Prenatal voluntary counseling and HIV testing (VCT) is critical to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). We surveyed 202 pregnant women attending a rural antenatal clinic in Southern India to investigate HIV-related knowledge, attitudes toward infant feeding practices, and perceived benefits and risks of HIV testing. Of the total of 202 women surveyed, 189 women (94%) had heard of HIV/AIDS and 60% of them had relatively good knowledge regarding risk factors for HIV transmission. However, 48% did not know that there are "means to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission." If women were not to breastfeed her baby, negative attitudes expected from the partner would include 84% thinking that that the mother is harming the baby, 78% thinking she is not a good mother, 74% thinking she has HIV, and 66% thinking she has been unfaithful. Ninety-seven percent of women did not perceive themselves at risk for HIV and only 57% had been tested for HIV. Although, 85% of women expressed their willingness to be tested, most were concerned about confidentiality and disclosing HIV serostatus because of fear of negative reactions from their husbands, parents, and community. Many social and cultural barriers confront pregnant women when they decide to opt for HIV testing. If VCT and PMTCT interventions are to be successful, urgent attention must be focused on education, development of innovative culturally appropriate interventions that empower women to make decisions about HIV testing, involvement of men, and addressing stigma and discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS.     

Factors associated with self-reported HIV testing among men in Uganda

This study examined rates and predictors of self-reported HIV testing and willingness to test among married men aged 15-59 in Uganda. The data are nationally representative and drawn from the 2000-01 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. The results of multiple regression analyses indicate that knowledge about AIDS, a history of paying for sex, spousal communication about HIV prevention, secondary or higher education, household wealth, and neighbourhood knowledge of a test site are associated with an increased likelihood of HIV testing. The higher the frequency of injection use in the past 3 months and the greater the level of interest in learning how to help one's partner have a safe pregnancy, the higher was the likelihood of willingness to test for HIV. Findings suggest that voluntary counselling and testing programmes need to target older married men aged 30-59 and expand services to the Northern region, where previously untested men indicated significantly higher desires of HIV testing.     

Recent HIV type 1 infection among participants in a same-day mobile testing pilot study in Zimbabwe

We estimated HIV-1 incidence and characterized risk factors associated with recent infection among participants of a mobile HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) pilot program in two communities in Zimbabwe (N = 1096). HIV-1 infection was diagnosed using a parallel rapid testing algorithm. Recent HIV-1 infections were characterized using the BED immunoglobulin G capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). HIV prevalence was 28.9% overall and nearly twice as high in women compared to men (39.5% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.001). HIV-1 incidence was 1.91% and was comparable between men and women (1.99% vs.1.88%; p = 0.626). Although not significant, the proportion of recent infections among all infections was highest among persons ages 25 to 34 years old (10.5%) for both men (11.9%) and women (9.2%). Persons recently infected compared to those with long-term infections were more likely to report STD symptoms (33% vs. 13%; OR = 3.2; p = 0.075) and prior STD treatment (13% vs. 6%; OR = 3.4; p = 0.187) in the previous 6 months. There were no associations found between recent versus long-term HIV infection status and perceived risk or expectation of negative test results. Recent HIV-1 infection detection among mobile VCT participants is a valuable measure for tracking the spread of the epidemic among persons who might otherwise not have access to HIV testing due to practical and logistical barriers. Mobile VCT presents opportunities to expand HIV testing services and evaluate at-risk populations within community settings. Given the challenges of longitudinal cohort studies, recent infection may be a practical endpoint for community-based prevention intervention trials employing mobile testing.     

湖州市2011年艾滋病自愿咨询检测结果分析

目的了解湖州市接受艾滋病自愿咨询检测（VCT）服务人群的现状,为艾滋病防治措施的制定提供科学依据。方法对2011年在湖州市接受VCT服务的人员的人口学状况、求询原因、危险行为等进行统计学分析。结果3 778名求询者中,3 759人（99.5%）接受了HIV抗体检测,检出阳性9例,HIV检出率为0.24%。求询者男女性别比为0.8∶1;年龄主要集中在20～49岁,占90.3%;初中学历占38.6%。各类高危行为中,有性乱史者占58.8%。结论青壮年和性接触是湖州市艾滋病传播的高危人群及方式;加强艾滋病知识宣传和VCT服务、提高求询者阳性者转介率,是今后VCT工作的重点。     

High acceptability of HIV voluntary counselling and testing among female sex workers: impact of individual and social factors

Objectives

Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV infection is an important tool for prevention of HIV infection and AIDS in high‐risk groups. Our goal was to describe the acceptability and consequences of VCT among a stigmatized and vulnerable group, female sex workers (FSWs), in Conakry, Guinea.

Methods

Acceptance of the test and return for test results at baseline and consequences of testing 1 year later were described. The perceived risk of HIV infection and perceived benefits and barriers to testing were examined using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results

All 421 FSW participants agreed to undergo VCT and most participants (92%) returned for their results. The main reason cited for VCT acceptance was the wish to know their HIV status. However, some managers of FSW worksites urged FSWs to be tested, curtailing FSWs' free decision‐making. One year later, status disclosure was common (90% of the 198 individuals who knew their results among those who participated in the follow‐up part of the study). Positive consequences of testing were far more frequently reported than negative consequences (98% vs. 2%, respectively). Negative life events included banishment from the worksite (one case) and verbal abuse (two cases).

Conclusion

Acceptability of VCT appears high in the FSW population in Conakry as a consequence of both perceptions of high individual risk and social pressures.     

Uptake of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in rural Tanzania: implications for effective HIV prevention and equitable access to treatment

Objective To describe the associations between socio‐demographic, behavioural and clinical characteristics and the use of HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services among residents in a rural ward in Tanzania. Methods Eight thousand nine hundred and seventy participants from a community‐based cohort were interviewed, provided blood for research HIV testing, and were offered VCT. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify socio‐demographic, clinical and behavioural factors associated with VCT use. Results Although 31% (1246/3980) of men and 24% (1195/4990) of women expressed an interest in the service, only 12% of men and 7% of women subsequently completed VCT. Socio‐demographic factors, such as marital status, area of residence, religion and ethnicity influenced VCT completion among males and females in different ways, while self‐perceived risk of HIV, prior knowledge of VCT, and sex with a high‐risk partner emerged as important predictors of VCT completion among both sexes. Among males only, those infected with HIV for 5 years or less tended to self‐select for VCT compared to HIV‐negatives (adjusted odds ratio = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.99–2.14). This contributed to a higher proportion of HIV‐positive males knowing their status compared to HIV‐positive females. Conclusions In this setting, a disproportionate number of HIV‐positive women are failing to learn their status, which has implications for equitable access to onward referral for care and treatment services. Evidence that some high‐risk behaviours may prompt VCT use is encouraging, although further interventions are required to improve knowledge about HIV risk and the benefits of VCT. Targeted interventions are also needed to promote VCT uptake among married women and rural residents.     

艾滋病低流行区自愿咨询检测实施三年效果评价

目的评价自愿咨询检测（VCT）策略在艾滋病低流行区（江苏）实施三年（2005-2007年）的效果,为进一步深化VCT策略提供依据。方法在性病门诊设置独立的艾滋病咨询室,提供规范的VCT服务,并实施社会动员、高危人群外展服务。收集2005-2007年在江苏省疾病预防控制中心VCT门诊接受咨询检测的求询者的信息,Epi data 3.1录入、建立数据库,并用SAS 9.1统计分析。结果三年共接受咨询检测4 439人。其中男男性行为者（MSM）369人,异性性行为者3 962人,血液接触者96人,职业暴露12人;重复检测1 342人。4 439人的HIV阳性检出率为1.01%,男女性之间HIV阳性检出率无显著性差异。HIV阳性检出率在≥30岁的求询者中为1.57%,在〈30岁的求询者中为0.67%,两者差异有显著性。MSM的HIV阳性检出率为5.69%,显著高于异性性行为者（0.28%）。在首次咨询检测者中阳性检出率为0.97%,重复检测者中为1.12%,两者差异无显著性。45例HIV感染者100%接受阳性结果告知和首次随访。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,HIV感染率与求询者特征中年龄≥30岁（OR=3.20,95%CI1.66～6.17）和同性接触（OR=28.20,95%CI13.20～60.30）有统计学关联。结论在低流行区,VCT服务在艾滋病综合防治中发挥着重要作用,也在为区域性艾滋病防治策略的调整提供线索。该地区艾滋病流行的危险因素仍然广泛存在。VCT点已成为发现HIV感染者实施综合防治措施的重要窗口。