Factors associated with participation in HIV antibody screening and results disclosure

The Centers for Disease Control reported in October 1991 that many people at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection had not been tested for antibodies to HIV. This study identifies differences among 110 gay and bisexual men in three small cities in Pennsylvania who decided whether to be tested for antibodies to HIV and, if so, whether to return for results. These men were given self-administered questionnaires and were offered free and confidential HIV antibody tests. Fifty percent of the men refused testing. Of those tested, only 35 percent returned to obtain test results. Contrary to other health prevention data, education was significantly and inversely related to being tested and to returning for results. Men who most often participated in the institutionalized gay community were least likely to be tested. The findings suggest that gay men who are most aware of the potential psychosocial problems associated with HIV antibody testing are more likely to avoid testing.