Increasing HIV testing for prevention: Acceptability of a rapid HIV test available over-the-counter for self-testing among MSM from Buenos Aires, Argentina

PANDO MA, ; BALAN IC; DOLEZAL C; MARONE R, ,; BARREDA V; CARBALLO-DIEGUEZ A, ; AVILA MM.

Barcelona,

Conferencia; AIDS Vaccine Conference; 2013

Introduction Consistent with the incorporation of rapid HIV test (RHT) in Argentinean diagnostic algorithms, the objective of this study was to explore the acceptability of over-the-counter RHT among men who have sex with men (MSM).  Methods During 2006-2009 a sample of 500 MSM was recruited through Respondent Driven Sampling for an HIV prevalence/incidence study. Attitude toward RHT at home was explored among HIV negative MSM (n=440). Data were weighted prior to analyses.  Results Findings demonstrated high acceptability of purchasing RHT for home use (73.1%). Also, 77.1% reported they would do the test more often and 70.8% that it would be easier. Among the participants, 70.4% reported they would probably use it alone, 67.5% would use it with a stable partner, and 56.4% with a friend/partner. Sixty-six percent would use RHT before having sex and 55.4% in order to avoid the use of condoms. A minority of participants (21.3%) felt that they would be embarrassed to purchase the test at a pharmacy, while a majority felt that RHT home use would deprive them of receiving counseling (60.6%). Concerning the reactions to an HIV-positive result, 73.5% declared they would go for help, but 16.6% would think about killing themselves (25% of which reported a previous suicide attempt). Those likely to buy RHT were older than those who were unlikely (median age, 29 vs. 24 years old, p=0.014). MSM who reported they would feel embarrassed to buy the test (25 vs. 29 years old, p=0.012) and those who think about killing themselves (22 vs. 30 years old, p<0.001) were younger.  Conclusions The high acceptability of over-the-counter RHT found among MSM in this study should be considered, as it can improve early diagnosis and prevention of future transmissions. Suicidal ideation expressed by some participants in case of positive results requires further exploration.