[Prevalence of peer-recommended HIV self-testing in men who have sex with men]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of peer-recommended self-HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM), and provide clue for identifying key individuals who can promote self-HIV testing. Methods: Data were derived from the self-HIV testing kits application system operated by Shijiazhuang Tongxing Non-Governmental Organization from July 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024. Statistical analysis was conducted by using software SPSS 29.0, and χ² test was used to analyze differences between groups. Visual analysis of recommendation networks was performed by using software yEd Graph Editor 3.24. Results: A total of 1 574 MSM applied for HIV self-testing kits. The majority of the MSM were unmarried (74.7%), with education level of college or abvoe (65.5%), and employed (53.2%). Among them, 54.8% (862/1 574) reported consistent condom use at each sex in the past three months, while 37.2% (585/1 574) uploaded their HIV test results. Additionally, 53 MSM (3.4%) recommended self-HIV testing to other MSM. Notably, MSM aged ≥30 years and MSM who had occasional condoms use at each sex in the past three months were more likely to recommend self-HIV testing to other MSM. The 53 MSM collectively recommended self-HIV testing to another 740 MSM, the average was 13.9 MSM recommended by 1 MSM. Among MSM who accepted recommendation, 3 HIV-positive cases were identified, indicating that 1 HIV infection was detected by 17.7 recommendations. In the four-round recommendation, 10 MSM participated in more than one round recommendation, all of them were HIV prevention volunteers. Others only participating in one round were common MSM. Eleven MSM recommended self-HIV testing to two or more MSM. Conclusions: Peer-recommendation has high efficiency in the promotion of self-HIV testing, with HIV prevention volunteers serving as the primary force and the common MSM acting as a supportive force. Future efforts should be made to fully use key individuals to promote self-HIV testing.