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The Relationship Between Risk Perception and Frequency of HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender

S K Vargas1,2, K A Konda3,4, S R Leon5

  • 1Laboratory of Sexual Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. silver.vargas.r@upch.pe.

AIDS and Behavior
|January 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Frequent HIV testing remains low among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Peru, despite high HIV prevalence. Many underestimate their risk, highlighting a critical gap in prevention and care engagement.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • HIV infections in Peru disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW).
  • Low HIV testing rates among these key populations delay crucial entry into care and treatment.
  • Understanding testing behaviors is vital for targeted HIV prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of frequent HIV testing (≥ every 6 months) among HIV-seronegative or status-unknown MSM and TW in Lima, Peru.
  • To identify factors associated with frequent HIV testing in this population.
  • To examine the relationship between risk perception and HIV testing frequency.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 310 MSM and TW attending sexual health clinics in Lima, Peru.
  • Data collected on HIV testing history, sexual behaviors, and perceived risk for HIV acquisition.
  • Statistical analysis using adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • Only 39% of participants reported frequent HIV testing; 22% had never been tested.
  • Reporting low or no risk for HIV acquisition was associated with more frequent testing (aPR=1.53).
  • Engaging in unprotected anal sex was associated with less frequent testing (aPR=0.66). HIV prevalence was 12% and did not differ by risk perception.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of at-risk MSM and TW in Lima test infrequently for HIV.
  • Misperceptions of risk and engagement in unprotected sex are barriers to frequent testing.
  • Interventions are needed to improve HIV testing uptake and risk awareness among these populations.
Keywords:
HIVHIV testingMSMPeruRisk perception

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