AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #277 - Men who have sex with men (MSM): incentives and barriers to HIV testing in Fortaleza, Brazil
Authors: Presenting Author: Professor Carl Kendall - Tulane University
Additional Authors: Prof. Valeria Goncalves, Mrs. Telma Martins, Prof. Rosa Mota, Prof. Linda Macena, Dr. Ligia Kerr,
Aim: To describe the incentives and barriers to implementation of HIV testing among MSM in metropolitan Fortaleza, Brazil.
Method / Issue: Cross-sectional study of men, 18 years or older, who reported having had sex with men in the last six months, conducted between October and November 2010. Participants were selected using RDS (Respondent Driven Sampling). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants were offered rapid HIV testing with pre and post-test counseling. Data were analyzed with RDSAT.
Results / Comments: The study enrolled 395 MSM, most between 18 to 29 years of age (71.6%), mixed racial classification (68%), single (84.3%), and most living with their parents (54.9%). Only 64.8% ever HIV-tested, and of these, 41.4% a rapid test. The main incentives for testing were: the Ministry of Health Campaign "Be aware" (37.3%), worried their partners had many partners (20.4%), general perception of their high risk (16.7%); the participant has many partners (9.2%), having sex without a condom (9.2%). Among the 34.4% reported having never tested, the main reasons were fear of discrimination if the result is positive (30.1%), belief in the trustworthiness of their partner (17.6%), no time to go to the testing site (17.6% each), not knowing the location of the test (16.9%) and fear of breach of confidentiality by professionals (12.5%).
Discussion: The results demonstrate low levels of HIV testing in this high risk population, 30 years after the scientific and public recognition of HIV/AIDS. Public policies and programs need to continuously promote testing addressing – at a minimum - the incentives and barriers identified.
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