CORRELATES OF STI/HIV TESTING BEHAVIOURS IN HETEROSEXUAL MEN IN A COMMUNITY SURVEY

Abstract

Intro: Early identification and timely treatment are crucial for controlling sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV. Understanding STI/HIV testing experiences and testing behaviours are important for informing testing programme development. This study aims at investigating the coverage and factors associated with STI/HIV testing among heterosexual males. Methods: Sexually experienced adults in Hong Kong were invited by post to participate in a territory-wide population study. Socio-demographics, history of STI/HIV testing and diagnosis, related service usage and testing preferences were inquired through an online questionnaire. Factors associated with ever testing for STI and HIV were examined in multiple logistic regression analyses respectively using SPSS. Findings: Of 1147 participants recruited in 2021-2022, 412 (36%) heterosexual males were included in the analysis. Overall, 15% (60/412) had ever undergone testing for STI, of which 20% (12/60) were tested in past 1 year. Among the 19% (79/411) having tested for HIV, 25% (20/79) were tested in past 1 year. Over half (63%-64%) did not know where to test for STI/HIV. About 35% were unwilling to pay for test, while 8% were unwilling to test even if it's free. Those who had more sex partners in lifetime (1 partner as reference, 2 partners=4.806, 95%CI=1.085-21.298; over 3 partners=11.519, 95%CI=3.365-39.428) and ever had STI symptoms (aOR=10.725, 95%CI=5.598-20.545) were more likely to have undergone STI testing. Having over 3 sex partners in lifetime (1 partner as reference, aOR=2.701, 95%CI=1.370-5.322), experienced STI symptoms (aOR=5.409, 95%CI=3.026-9.667), and attained post-secondary educational level (aOR=2.451, 95%CI=1.280-4.693) were positively associated with history of HIV testing. Conclusion: Although heterosexual male perceiving higher risk of STI/HIV infection and had STI symptoms were more likely to go for testing, their awareness and willingness to pay for STI/HIV testing in Hong Kong was low. Promotion of testing services should be strategized.