Henrique Pereira
The objective of the study was to explore sexual behavior and HIV-testing practices among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Portugal, in light of current international health guidelines that recommend frequent HIV testing for MSM who engage in high-risk behavior. Participants were 304 mostly young, gay or bisexual self-identified MSM. They provided information regarding their HIV status (67% negative, 7% positive, 26% didn’t know), 24% had never been tested for HIV, and 15.5% had been tested only once; main reasons for never having tested previously were: always using condoms, and not feeling at risk. Thus, HIV testing was infrequent and insufficient for early detection of infection, entry into treatment, and protection of sexual partners, since many unprotected sexual practices still occur. Those who tested more were older, self-identified as gay, living in major urban areas and employed. Linear regression predicted that the number of times MSM had penetrative sex without a condom was associated with the number of times they got tested, indicating that they might be using the test itself as a means to gain control of their unprotected sexual practices. Testing campaigns should aim to help MSM become more aware of their risk behavior, decrease fear of testing by explaining available treatment resources and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV, and by publicizing information about free and confidential testing locations.
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